Protecting the value of your home is critical simply because it’s one of your biggest investments. A termite infestation is a concern that can ruin the value of your home. Since termites start feeding from inside the wood, they can destroy your house without you realizing it.
That said, you can prevent a termite invasion if you know what attracts them. But first, you need to know the types of termites likely to invade your home. After all, the treatment method you use depends on the classification of the termite infestation.
Let’s explore a few ways termites can get into your home and what you can do to prevent them. But first, here are the main types of termites likely to invade your home.
The United States has about 45 termite species that fall into three main categories. These are:
As a homeowner, you should only be concerned about the subterranean and the drywood termites. Here’s how they can enter your home:
Subterranean termites build the longest nests. They use underground tunnels to migrate from one location to another in search of food. When they reach your house, they’ll look for cracks in the foundation. Given their small size, they can fit in a small crawl space as they focus on finding edible wood.
If your house has wood that’s in contact with the soil, such as door frame or porch steps, termites can use its structure to enter. Assuming the foundation has concrete, they’ll build a mud tube and use it to travel until they find a house joint or wood.
How can you prevent termites from entering your home? The best way is to have a baiting system installed around your home. Sentricon Always Active is a very powerful tool to have as protection. These stations are installed in ground and will attract any subterranean termites in the area. The termites then eat the bait and carry it back to the queen for feeding. The queen will then die leaving the termite colony to collapse and die. Pest control professionals can help you set bait stations. If these baits show any signs of termites, you can take steps to control the issue before the pests get to your house.
Most people keep firewood on the ground. Such a setting becomes a considerable concern if the wood is directly on the soil and in contact with the house.
Termites can invade such piles of wood and multiply. Eventually, they’ll crawl to your house. The best practice is to place firewood in an elevated position.
A termite infestation can begin from a dead tree stump. With time, tree stumps collect water and become soft as they decay. That’s the case with any other dead wood on your compound.
Termites like softened wood because it’s easy to chew. Once they invade the wood, it’s just a matter of time before they find their way into your home.
Mulch consists of decaying leaves, tree backs, and other composite materials. Some homeowners use these materials to enrich the soil around a plant. Such a step creates a conducive habitat for termites. First, a heap of mulch preserves moisture which termites like.
Second, mulch consists of wood materials which are food for termites. If it’s necessary to have such mulch on your compound, ensure it’s far from your house.
Building wooden structures adjacent to your house increases the chances of a termite infestation. These structures could be a small house extending from the main house or a wooden structure placed next to your home.
They pose the same concern as piles of wood and mulch. A termite infestation from the structure can spread to your main house.
Termites can get into your house through second-hand furniture. Since drywood termites can hide inside the wood, it’s possible to bring infested furniture without noticing. The same applies to a wooden floor.
When replacing the floor, you might bring infested wood without noticing. It’s best to inspect any wooden structure you bring to your house for signs of termite damage. If infested, you can ask for replacement or treatment.
When it comes to termites, prevention is the best option to take. Since termites infest wood, you can prevent a termite infestation by removing dead wood from your property. Plus, ensure wooden structures don’t have direct contact with the soil.
If you already have an infestation, termite treatment is the best option. Remember, using insecticide for pest management won’t help much. The vast majority of termites hide in the colony where you can’t see or reach them. That’s why you need to call for pest control services.
McDonald Pest Control has the needed expertise to help eradicate a termite infestation. Our termite control techniques help identify the colony’s nest and get rid of any type of termites.
Call us today for extermination and prevention of termite’s measures and get a free consultation.
