Knowing what causes termites can help you understand what termites want from your home. Further, it ensures that you are fully equipped with the knowledge of how you can fend off termite attacks and infestations in your house! So, let’s keep reading to understand what appeals to termites in the first place!
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What causes termites?
There are multiple factors that cause termites such as piles of firewood, mulch piles, high moisture in your house, termite infestations in your neighborhood, etc.
I have listed these factors below. Now, remember that you should do your best to ensure that you don’t include things in your home to attract these termites. As I’m sure you’re aware, termites can cause extensive levels of damage to your home!
Piles of firewood can cause termites.
Termites are attracted to cellulose, which is found in large quantities in firewood. When piles of firewood are stored close to the home, the termites will be attracted to the home and can cause damage. It is important to store firewood away from your home and to keep it dry.
In addition, piles of firewood can be a good place for termites to build their colonies or nest. The insects will also feed on the bugs that are found in the wood, making it more hospitable for them.
Termites are known to cause significant harm and damage to homes and other buildings, so it is important to take steps to prevent them from invading.
Termites thrive in warm and moist environments. When it rains, the piles of firewood become wet and create an ideal habitat for termites. To protect the firewood from rain, stack them under a roof or cover them with a tarp.
Mulch piles can cause termites.
One of the most common causes of termites is mulch piles. Mulches are made of softwood, which is at the top of the soil’s layer. This makes them easy access for termites, and they can quickly infest your home.
Mulch piles can be an attractive place for termites to live and breed. By keeping the mulch in a pile, it can create the perfect environment for these pests. It is important to keep the mulch spread out so that it does not provide a safe haven for termites.
High amounts of moisture inside your home and in your yard can cause termites.
Termites are attracted to moisture and need it to survive. If you have high levels of moisture inside your home or in your yard, you are more likely to experience a termite infestation.
Leaky faucets, roofs, and pipes can create the perfect environment for termites to thrive. In addition, if the ground around your home is constantly wet, termites will invade your home in search of food and shelter.
There are many different ways to reduce the amount of moisture in your home and yard, which can help prevent termites from invading.
Termites in your neighborhood or vicinity can cause termites in your home.
If you live in an area that has a high population of termites, there is a good chance that you will have them in your home at some point. Termites are attracted to certain conditions, which means that they can be found in different areas depending on the climate and environment.
Termites can be a massive issue for homeowners, as they can quickly multiply and spread throughout an area. It’s important to deal with them as soon as possible before they cause too much damage.
There are many different termite species in nature, and each one has a varying ability to cause destruction. Some termites are more prone to breeding than others, and it is important to be aware of the signs of an infestation.
If you live in a particular geographical location that is susceptible to termites, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid having them damage your home.
Dead trees or tree stumps can cause wood termite infestation.
One of the most common causes of termites is an old or dead tree or tree stump. Termites are attracted to these decaying objects, and they will often build their colonies in and around them.
If you have any trees or stumps on your property that are rotting, it is important to get rid of them right away.
In addition, dead trees and tree stumps can also be a major cause of termites. As these stumps decompose, they provide moisture that is essential for termite survival.
Termites will often attack these stumps from underground, making it difficult to detect their presence until significant damage has been done.
In addition to dead trees, tree stumps can also cause termites. Termites can invade trees that are still alive and then gradually make their way into your house. So, it’s important to be vigilant about termite prevention if you have any trees on your property.
Direct contact between tree branches and your house’s roof can cause termites in your house.
Termites can gain easy entry to your home through various entrances, but one common way is through contact with the roof. If there is direct contact between tree branches and your house’s roof, it can create an opening for termites to crawl in.
It’s not unusual for homeowners to see a termite infestation on their roofs and ceilings.
Termites are attracted to moist environments, and direct contact between tree branches and your house’s roof can create a moisture bridge that encourages termites to move into your home.
If you find any leaks in the roof or gutters that provide another opportunity for termites to gain access to your home, you should take immediate steps to fix them.
How do termites invade your home?
There are two main ways termites can invade your home- from underground or from swarms. Each way has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Swarms: Termites swarm when they mate, and this is often how they spread to new areas. A swarm occurs when a group of reproductive termites leaves the colony to establish a new one elsewhere.
Swarms can happen inside or outside of a home, depending on where the colony is located. Termites will often swarm when the conditions are right- when it is warm and humid.
Subterranean termites invade your home from underground and cause severe termite damage.
Subterranean termites enter homes through the foundation, often through cracks or pores in the concrete and cause severe termite damage. They then travel up through the soil and into the structure of the house.
This is often how they are first detected, as homeowners will see evidence of their activity on the foundation or in the basement.
Subterranean termite species are the most commonly found species of termite and invade your home from underground. They build mud tubes from their feces and firewood piles near the exterior walls to gain access to your home. Once they’re in, they can do a lot of damage!
Subterranean termites live in the soil and invade your home from underground. They are attracted to moisture, so they will often move closer to your home if you have a lot of mulch close to the foundation.
Drywood termites invade your home by swarming.
Drywood termites swarm to establish new colonies. They are attracted to light and will often invade a home through windows or doorways. Once they have established a colony, they will begin to eat away at the wood in your home.
Winged termites, also known as alates, play a crucial role in the swarming process. However, they are different in that they don’t eat wood. They swarm to mate and then die. Drywood termites invade your home by swarming and looking for a new place to start a colony.
Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need contact with soil to survive and can invade your home through wooden beams, door frames, windowsills, and furniture.
Drywood termites are more destructive than subterranean termites and should be treated as soon as possible if you suspect an infestation.
Now, it is difficult to detect a drywood termite infestation before it causes significant damage. Drywood termites invade your home by swarming and can go undetected for long periods of time.
By understanding the causes of termites in your home, you can be better prepared to deal with an infestation if it does occur. These termites are difficult to eliminate with conventional methods and often require the services of a professional.
When do you need to consider professional termite treatment for termite control in your house?
Ideally, you should have your house inspected for termites and termite damage every year. However, you should consider professional termite treatment in your house when you begin to see signs of termite damage or actually happen to spot termites.
Conclusion
From this article, I hope to have explained two main things to you – termites are mainly attracted to humidity and the availability of cellulose. All the salient causes of termites, you will notice, offer these two factors.
Therefore, take care to prevent the availability of humidity and availability of cellulose for these destructive pests!
