Termites may be small, but they can cause a lot of damage to just about any wooden structure.
Unfortunately, your home is no exception. If you’re curious about what attracts termites to your home, look no further!
In this blog post, we will reveal the secrets and provide you with tips on how to prevent these destructive pests from entering your home – both now and well into the future.
Let’s take a closer look.
Why Do Termites Suddenly Appear?
You might think the termites that invaded your house have come out of nowhere, but the reality is that there’s something there that’s attracting them. Here are some of the most common culprits.
1. Moisture
One of the primary reasons termites may infest your home is because of moisture, which the majority of termites species need to survive.
In fact, termites thrive in moisture-rich environments. Water-damaged wood presents a perfect breeding ground for them. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, or overflowing AC units can cause moisture damage to the wooden beams or foundation of your property.
Any areas of your home that are susceptible to leaks, such as the kitchen or bathroom, can provide enough moisture to attract termites.
To prevent termite infestation, avoid water accumulation around your property. Get your pipes and HVAC systems checked and repaired regularly. Also, make sure your home has proper ventilation, sunlight, and drainage to prevent these (and lots of other!) problems from developing.
2. Wood
Termites consume wood to obtain cellulose, which is the primary structural component of wood. Wooden structures in your home, such as floorboards, walls, and roofing, are all potential targets for termites.
Any wooden structures in direct contact with the soil or in areas with high humidity or moisture levels can also attract termites and don’t forget – it’s not just the wood you’ve used to build your
homes that can attract pests, either. In fact, if you’re the type of person that prefers to keep wood piles and stacks of firewood close to your house, you may be in for a not-so-special surprise – these woodpiles and stacks can quickly become termite attractions.
To be safe, store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home or shed. Keep it off the ground by using a rack or metal stand.
3. Cracks and Gaps
Termites are small, and they can easily enter your home through any cracks or gaps present in the foundation walls or near doors and windows.
Once Eastern Subterranean termites enter your home, they create mud tubes or shelter tubes to protect themselves. You should seal any cracks or gaps present in your home, including the roof and walls, and ensure all vents are properly screened to prevent termites from entering.
4. Plants and Trees
Although we love a good garden, too many shrubs or bushes can provide termites with an easy pathway to your home. When shrubs or trees grow out of control, they can touch the sides of your home, making it easy for termites to climb in.
Trim any excessive foliage periodically, so there’s ample space between it and your home.
5. Sunlight
Finally, termites prefer dark and moist places, and they avoid sunlight. In some cases, such as with furniture, you may be able to put the furniture outside to help make it less appealing to termites – though this doesn’t always work.
How Do You Know If You Have Termites?
Termites are some of the sneakiest, most destructive pests that can make their way into your home. Now that you know what attracts termites to your home and what causes termites to invade, how do you tell if they’re already there?
One of the easiest ways is to look for swarming termites. Swarming termites are winged adults that leave their colony to mate and start a new one. If you see them flying around near your home, then you may have a termite problem (though not always). This usually happens during the spring or early summer months and is a good indicator that a colony is nearby.
Another way to tell if you have termites is by looking for termite droppings. Some species of termites, such as drywood termites, produce small, wood-colored pellets and can be found near termite galleries or on surfaces where termites have been feeding. If you see these droppings, then you definitely have a termite infestation.
You can also look for mud tubes produced by subterranean termites, if you want more clarification. These are pencil-sized tubes that connect the termite colony to their food source. They are made up of soil, wood particles, and termite saliva. These tubes are usually found along the foundation of your home, but can also be found on floors or walls and even freestanding. Check around the exterior of your home regularly to watch for any signs of these tubes.
What Keeps Termites Away From Your House?
Preventative measures are key when it comes to keeping termites away from your home and knowing what attracts termites is a great first step. Other preventive measures include regular inspections of the foundation of your home, along with any wooden structures like porches or decks.
And whether you’re dealing with a severe termite infestation now or you just want to know how to avoid one in the future, consider calling in a professional pest control service like Hawx Pest Control.
We will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action (which might include anything from baits to liquid termiticides). Contact our team today if you’re ready to join our family of satisfied customers.
Stay ahead of the game and protect your home – you’ll be glad you did!
