What Causes Termites To Invade Your House
Have you ever had termites invade your house?
If you’re like many homeowners, you may have been completely surprised by this. When they find termites in a house, the owners usually want to know how and why it happened. They might ask these questions:- Is there something we could have done to prevent it?
- Termites are fairly common, but why my house?
While termites are found all over the world, Australian environmental conditions are particularly beneficial for termite habitation. This is why one in three Australian homes is vulnerable to a termite attack.
Through this post, let’s learn what causes termites “invasion” and what to do about it.
Moisture
Leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow all create moisture issues that attract termites. Dampwood and subterranean termites in particular thrive in humid environments. While damp wood termites prefer water-damaged wood, subterranean termites are unable to live unless surrounded by enough moisture.
Wood and Wooden Structures That Come into Contact with Your Home
Even if the soil around your home has been treated by a pest control specialist, the wood that serves as a bridge between the ground and your home may create a point of entry for termites. After all, termites feed on cellulose, an essential component of wood.
Subterranean termites will search out food sources that exist above ground in addition to their more readily available food supplies. Therefore, any wood that comes into contact with your home’s exterior may create an opportunity for termites to infiltrate your home’s interior. Remove any stumps, vines, mulch, trellises or other exterior wood such as stacked firewood that is in close proximity to your home’s foundation, especially if your home has wooden siding. Note that your roof can also be vulnerable to termite infestation. Trim back any tree limbs that are resting on your roof or touching wooden structures such as eaves or window framing.
Cracks in Building Exteriors
Termites are tiny and can make their way into your home from the soil via just about any opening. While they can’t get through solid concrete, they can squeeze through a crack in concrete just 1/32nd of an inch wide.
Periodically inspect your home’s entry doors and windows, and reapply caulk in areas that might need it. Similarly, look for any loose or defective seals where electrical conduit or plumbing lines enter your home. Additionally, if you are aware of damage to your shingles, fascia boards or eaves, have it repaired immediately. Even these minor fixes can help you defend your home against a termite infestation.
Your Home’s Location
It is stated that “Roughly 85% of detached homes in Australia, are built using a timber frame structure…”*
As a result, termites can cause significant damage to a home’s structural timbers; however, homes that are built with predominantly cement or steel are not immune to termite attacks either. In fact, nearly all homes will contain some timber components (e.g. decorative timbers, skirting boards, door, and window frames) that can be damaged by termites.
Finally, if you do notice termite damage that has never been repaired, or if you suspect that your home may have a termite problem, do not put off contacting a professional termite control company to get an expert opinion.
City Pest Control Services is fully trained and equipped for most, if not all, pest control issues and proud to be a local company in Canberra and Queanbeyan. We can help you keep your home safe from termites, using treatments that are naturally derived and have a low impact on the environment.
If you are looking for Pest Control Services in Canberra or Queanbeyan, give us a call on 0407 909 118 or Click here to book online.