What Causes Termites In Your Home?
There are several things you can do to prevent termites and bed bugs in your home. The first step is to do a decluttering drive throughout your house. Pay special attention to cardboards, newspapers, and other materials that are useless and can serve as a haven for termites. Also, be sure to avoid moving furniture from rooms where you have noticed signs of termites.
Moisture
Moisture is the number one reason termites are attracted to your home. You can prevent this pest from causing damage to your home by keeping your home dry and free from water leaks. Inspect your plumbing and check your home for any signs of leaks. If you find any, contact a termite control service immediately.
Termites thrive in moist and dark environments. They feed on wood and other organic materials. Wood is particularly attractive to these pests because of its cellulose content. Also, termites are attracted to wood piles because they offer protection against predators. In addition, wood piles can provide these insects with a convenient place to reproduce.
The best way to protect your home from termite infestation is to prevent moisture from pooling around wooden structures. This can be caused by poor grading, drainage problems, or faulty gutters. Make sure that no wood or cellulose materials are stored near the foundation of your home. You should also avoid storing firewood or newspapers near your home. Also, make sure that any places where wood or cellulose materials come into contact with the earth are inspected for defects.
The climate of your area can affect the chances of termite infestation. A warm climate makes termites more prevalent. Also, make sure your house has proper ventilation. Proper ventilation will help keep moisture in and out of your home.
Cracks In Your Foundation
If your home has cracks in its foundation, termites can enter your home and cause major damage to the structure of your home. Although a 1/64-inch crack can’t kill a termite, it does make it easier for the pest to get into your home. It’s crucial to address cracks as soon as possible.
Termites can penetrate your home’s foundation through a crack or any other type of opening. They feed on wood because it contains cellulose, a substance found in plants. However, they can eat other materials too. For example, they have been known to chew through thin sheet metals, including copper. Termites are persistent and will continue to look for openings until they find one and start feeding.
One way to spot a termite infestation is to look for pellet-shaped particles. This is an early warning sign that your home is infested with termites. These insects enter your home through cracks in the foundation and hollow spaces in bricks. Once inside, they eat nearby wood and damage your ceilings and flooring. They can also leave a foul odor.
Another way to tell if you have a foundation problem is to check the concrete surrounding your house. If there are cracks in the foundation, termites can move in through these cracks and cause permanent damage.
Wood Touching Your Home’s Foundation
Termites are attracted to wood, and the most common entry point is a home’s foundation. To prevent termite infestation, homeowners need to check for signs of deteriorated wood. Typically, these signs appear as small holes in wood. However, termites can also cause more noticeable damage. For example, if you hear a scratching noise while walking in the house or if you break through the floorboards with a screwdriver, you might have a termite infestation. Furthermore, you should also look for signs of mud tubes. Subterranean termites build mud tubes from wood and dirt, which serve as a way of travel.
Subterranean termites prefer living underground, but they can enter a home through a crack in the foundation. These pests feed on wood, including flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. These pests measure approximately 1/4 inch long, and they live and feed inside the wood they consume.
In addition to exposing the wood to the ground, mulch also provides termites with a comfortable living environment. Planting mulch near the foundation invites termites to emerge from the soil, looking for entry points. Termites love wood that touches the soil, especially cypress sapwood. Additionally, firewood can attract termites. Keeping firewood and wood siding at least six inches away from the foundation is a good way to reduce the risk of termite infestation.
Another common cause of termites is mulch. This type of mulch attracts termites because it contains wood, which is a tasty source of food. Leaving mulch next to the foundation of a home can provide the perfect habitat for termites. Termites may even move into your home after eating the wood. Termites will eat wooden floors, beams, and other wooden structures. You can prevent the spread of termites by removing them from your yard. Stacks of firewood, untreated mulch, and dead shrubs can all attract termites.
Need help getting rid of this pest? Contact these termite control services in Roswell GA today.
