Did you know that termites cause more than $5 billion worth of damage and isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance? Termites can be a very serious problem for homeowners.
Read this guide to learn about what causes termites and how you can avoid them.
What Attracts Termites?
There are more causes of termites than just wood. Although these pests are attracted to wood, the different types of termites have different preferences. Three of the most common termites are drywood, dampwood, and subterranean termites.
Like their names suggest, drywood and dampwood termites invade dry or moist wood in the home. So, what causes subterranean termites? These types of bugs will infest any wood that is connecting to the ground because they want to be around moist soil.
Subterranean termites will construct mud tubes to move from wood to soil and vis versa. This will act as their link to hydration. It could also be a route to the wood they want to infest above ground.
Homeowners may accidentally bring termites into their homes with firewood or lumber. Otherwise, the termites are attracted to moisture, the house foundation, and building cracks. If you live in an area where there is constant humidity, you will experience more termite activity.
The main factors involving what causes termites are explained below:
Moisture
The main answer to why do I have termites is moisture. This can be due to leaky pipes, poor airflow, improper damage, and more.
If you have any of these issues, you will likely see dampwood and subterranean termites because they enjoy a humid environment. Dampwood termites are especially attracted to wood that has water damage. On the other hand, a subterranean termite cannot live without moisture surrounding it.
Wood in the House Foundation
If the foundation of your home is touching wood, it is more susceptible to a subterranean termite infestation. This attraction happens because this species of termites have to move through soil or wood.
Certain things can lead termites to access structural wood. Keep mulch, firewood, and overgrown shrubs further away from the home.
Building Cracks
A crack in the foundation of the home equals easy access for termites. Subterranean termites can build their mud tubes in these crevices so that they can come inside.
Cracks near doors and windows are especially risky if you want to keep termites out. These openings allow any species of termite to come in. They can start colonies easier this way.
How Do You Get Termites Out?
The best way to get rid of these pests is to look at what causes termites. Since the most common reasons are moisture, the house foundation, and building cracks, you can stop them in their tracks. Prevent moisture from occurring and seal up any cracks.
The best way to get termites out is by getting pest inspections.
What Causes Termites Explained
Now that you know what causes termites you can work to actively prevent them. Don’t let these annoying pests get into your home and cause major damage.
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