Have you noticed any wood buckling, swollen floors, or even the smell of mildew or mold? While many things can lead to these issues, there’s a good chance that you could have a termite infestation. Understanding how to manage this problem can allow you to address the cause of termites in your house.
According to Forbes, termite infestation can be costly, as a whole-home treatment can cost up to $2,500. So, how do you avoid them? Let’s look at the conditions that can lead to termite damage.
Where You Live
While termites are found in most states some areas of the country are more likely to experience in termite damage than others. Homeowners located in warmer and humid states are more likely to deal with termites. This one risk factor is out of your control, so it’s essential to see where you can protect the wood in your house from termites to minimize any long-term damage.
Openings in Your Home
Have you ever noticed small openings in doorframes, deck posts, and porch steps or supports? These areas are an open invitation for termites and the cause of termites in the house structure.
You must always be on the lookout for any holes in your home’s external areas, including your foundation, doors, windows, and especially around any areas where cables or wiring are.
Also, don’t forget to check areas you may not always spend time in, like basements, crawl spaces, and attics, as these areas may already have openings for termites to exploit. If you find openings, be sure to close and reinforce them.
Moisture
Moisture is a major issue that you need to address in your home structure for protection from termites. Termites thrive in and are attracted to moisture.
So, if you’re seeing water spots on your wall, or noticing any pools of water collecting in areas around or under your home, then it’s time to locate the leak and repair it.
Ultimately, moisture — along with wood itself — is what attracts termites, so be sure to check your plumbing, areas with pipes, and areas around your doors and windows. You can prevent costly repairs in the future by taking care of these issues as soon as you see them.
Woods That’s in Proximity to Your Home
What else attracts termites? Wood that is close to your home. That pile of firewood, those tree stumps in the backyard, and that deck with the aged wood could be a significant cause of termites in your house. Remove these extra pieces of wood, primarily located near your home’s foundation, as it can allow termites to get a foothold within the structure of your home, which can cause even more severe damage.
Also, be on the lookout for and clear out any tree limbs, stumps, and aging wood. This step can take away the ease of access termites may have when getting near your home.
Even though you are located in a warm and humid state like Georgia, termite damage doesn’t have to be inevitable. Allow the team at Turin Pest Control to protect your home structure from termites and prevent costly extermination and repairs.