Different pest infestations start for different reasons. Rats for example, will be drawn to garbage, pet food, and leaky pipes, while ants will be drawn to sugary spills and other food crumbs. But what draws subterranean termites to the home? In this article, we’re going to look at the causes of subterranean termite infestations.
Outdoor problems
Many termite infestations start in the yard, where the termites have easy access to dead, wet wood, and then move into the home. Outdoor firewood stacks can be a major draw for termites, especially if they are uncovered and vulnerable to rains, and/or directly on the ground. If they are close to the home on top of that, this is a surefire way to attract termites.
Tree stumps and mulch are also big draws. Tree stumps are made up of dead wood, and they are out in the rain often. The wood softens over time, and it is actually the natural role of termites in an ecosystem to break this type of wood down and eliminate it from the environment. Mulch is often used in gardening, but since it is dead wood that is connected to the ground and is often softened by moisture, it will be very attractive to termites.
Closer to the home, you have the issues created by clogged gutters. When clogged, the gutters will create high humidity conditions right on the walls of the home, and if you have wooden siding, it will be softened by the humidity, and termites may target the siding of the home.
Indoor problems
High levels of humidity in the home can create the right conditions for termite infestations. Areas of the home that are known to hold a lot of moisture such as the basement are often targeted. There is also the issue of leaky pipes, which can create moisture issues inside walls leading to infestation.
To deal with these indoor issues, you want to make sure that the basement and similar areas are properly ventilated, and that any leaky pipe is fixed as soon as possible. This will decrease the odds of an infestation and keep your home protected from termites.
If a subterranean termite infestation does occur, you will need the help of a pro to remove it. Contact us today with any questions you may have about subterranean termite infestations, or if there is a termite infestation in your home that needs to be removed.
