Being able to lower the odds of a subterranean termite infestation can save you thousands of dollars in repair and control costs. So what exactly attracts subterranean termites to a building? Let’s find out.
Outdoor factors
Subterranean termites, like most termite species, are drawn to dead or decaying wood that has elevated levels of moisture. This type of wood can be found all over the property, from firewood stacks to mulch and tree stumps.
Firewood stacks can be a major draw when certain conditions are met. These stacks, if left unprotected from the elements, will accumulate a lot of moisture, making the wood softer and very attractive to termites. On top of that, if they are close enough to the ground, they are very easy to detect for termites. So if you have a firewood stack on your property, you have to make sure that it is elevated several inches above the ground and covered. You also want to store it as far away from the home as possible, so that even if the wood becomes infested, the infestation is not likely to spread to the home.
Tree stumps can also be an issue, especially if they are close to the home. The natural role of termites is to eliminate this type of wood from an ecosystem, so in order to prevent an infestation, these stumps have to be removed by the homeowner. Finally, mulch is very useful in gardening, but it is a prime target for termites. If you want to keep using mulch, make sure that it is as far away from the home as possible.
Indoor factors
Indoors, the biggest factor that will increase the odds of an infestation is the presence of humid conditions. Basements are notoriously humid, and there may be pieces of wood that are affected by the humidity. On top of that, any leaky pipe will increase the humidity inside the walls, possibly affecting wood and making it more appealing to termites. To remove these causes, you have to ensure that the humidity levels in the home are low, and that you fix any leak as soon as you detect it.
Controlling a subterranean termite infestation
If a subterranean termite infestation has already started in the home, you will need the help of a pro to get rid of it. This is where we come in. Contact us today if you suspect that you have a subterranean termite infestation and we will help you remove it.