Termites are small but destructive pests that homeowners find quite stressful to deal with. They can continuously compromise your home’s wooden structures without being detected for many years. Termites can enter your home from places you may not notice immediately unless thorough inspections are conducted. But what brings these pests to your home? Understanding their common attractants can help you take steps to make your house less inviting for termites. Also, you will know if it’s time to seek help from pointepest.com experts. Below are the different attractants that draw termites to your home:
Moisture Sources
Termites love moisture, so you must understand how different moisture sources in your house can capture their attention. Poor drainage systems, leaky pipes and faucets, and high humidity levels create the perfect environment for these destructive pests to thrive. If water accumulates in areas such as basements, around the foundation, or crawlspaces, it weakens your home’s structural integrity and invites termites to live inside. Moisture presence softens cellulose materials such as wood, allowing termites to easily consume them. As a homeowner, you must be vigilant about plumbing system maintenance and proper drainage to ensure moisture does not build up.
Wood and Other Materials with Cellulose
Termites eat wood because of the cellulose it contains, making them a threat to structures that have such elements. Cardboard, wood, and paper are common targets for termites. When such materials are not treated or decaying, your risk of a termite infestation increases. So, be proactive in keeping wood treated and replacing wood to prevent termite issues.
Additionally, cardboard and paper are usually stored in attics, basements, and garages where termites can get into them for the cellulose they contain. Thus, these materials must be stored off the ground and away from areas prone to moisture.
Structural and Foundation Weaknesses
Your home’s structural integrity plays an important role in keeping termites out. Foundation cracks and structural gaps can serve as access points for termites, letting them infiltrate your house undetected. Such weaknesses can be aggravated by factors like weathering, settling, and poor construction practices. Therefore, you should inspect the foundation and structural components of your house regularly to find signs of termite activity or damage. Then, address the problem to prevent termites from entering your home.
In addition, termites can enter your house through direct soil-to-wood contact. If a structure’s wooden components like siding and support beams come into contact with the soil, those destructive pets can access and consume them. You can mitigate this risk by placing a barrier between the wood and soil like metal or concrete. Also, there should be a six-inch clearance between wooden structures and soil.
Climate and Weather Conditions
Warm and humid climates increase termite activity as termites need moisture and warmth for survival and reproduction. Also, weather events like heavy rainfall or flooding can contribute to termite issues. Such events can cause the moisture levels in and around your house to increase, creating ideal conditions for those destructive pests to establish colonies.
Landscaping and Outdoor Features
Woodpiles, dense vegetation, and mulch near your house can draw termites to your property by offering them food and shelter, Particularly, mulch retains moisture, creating a perfect environment for termites. Alternative landscaping like gravel or rubber mulch can help deter termite activity.
Moreover, improper landscaping and grading can result in moisture accumulating around your house, increasing your risk of infestations. When not graded correctly, the landscape allows water to pool near the foundation and create a damp environment for termites. So make sure water is properly directed away from the foundation and inspect your outdoor features regularly for signs of moisture buildup.