Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners like termites—and with good reason. A termite infestation can cause serious damage to the wooden components of your home, potentially resulting in hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair needs. Successful termite treatment requires first determining how they got in, and unfortunately, they’ve got more than one avenue into your abode. Consult this list of the five ways termites commonly infiltrate residences and make sure your property is protected.
Common Entrances
Even the best-built home has its soft spots, and termites are determined to find them. Exploratory underground tunnels allow workers to forage beneath the surface for viable food sources. They search for points of entry in wood-based structures and then create what’re called mud tubes to efficiently transport the rest of the troops. Termites need very little space to enter a home; an opening just 1/32” is enough for the average worker to squeeze through, creating numerous potentially vulnerable areas, including:
- Foundational cracks and expansion joints;
- Patios or porches built next to foundation walls;
- Stairways or sidewalks adjacent to foundations.
Subterranean Siding
Another problematic situation can occur when a house’s siding extends down beneath the soil. This type of structure provides termites with another possible entryway, one where it’s also tough to detect the presence of mud tubes. Without this visual indicator, it can be difficult to know when termites have taken up residence, making mitigation even trickier than usual.
Moisture Risks
Even more stealthy are dampwood termites, who cover their tracks and do not travel in the same fashion as their subterranean brethren. They seek out moister wood, and as such can be introduced through various means, including:
- Infested mulch
- Dampened wood, such as stumps or fallen trees
- Leaky roofs or broken drainpipes
Airborne Threats
The drywood termite is another type that does not depend on mud tubes for transit. Flying swarmers are the foragers in this group, and they’re capable of gaining entry to your home much like a common housefly. Watch out for gaps around doorframes and windows, as well as vents that’re not properly screened off.
Infested Wood
Termites can also hitch rides while hiding in wood items, such as lumber and furniture. Following their effortless introduction into your living space, they’ll quickly start turning it into their own, eating, breeding and creating a stronger colony capable of considerable damage. Quick recognition of the budding infestation is essential to keeping control of your home.
Whether you require pest control in Houston or elsewhere, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Contact a specialist to rid your home of termites and prevent more damage.
