Getting a termite infestation in your home can be a damaging experience for the structure. It can become a big undertaking to get rid of without a professional if it has progressed. In Virginia Beach, termite treatment is usually needed for well-kept homes, and you wouldn’t realize they needed it. That’s because no matter how spick and span a house is, certain things attract termites into the place.
Watch out for these things that you may have in your own property.
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Damp soil
This element is a particular problem to the most commonly seen species, the subterranean termite. These pests seek out damp ground conditions because they love moisture. It allows them to thrive, and the way they tunnel through is by maintaining a connection to sources of moisture.
These termites stay in the ground, and some variations are even more drawn to homes that have certain plants. The best way to keep them away is by making sure that your home is dry, especially in those dark nooks and crannies underneath your flooring. Any part of the structure that hits ground needs to be observed, especially if it’s connected to any wood material.
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Rotten lumber
Whether it’s in your backyard with a tree you have neglected or some damaged firewood that is hanging around in storage for your chimney, any wood that is rotting can be your most prominent red flag. Termites prefer this over a healthy one because it is easier for them to eat through.
It’s also important to check the foundation and flooring of your home if they have wooden components to make sure that those are in good shape and aren’t suffering from any wood rot. If you have any tree stumps that are decaying and pieces of wood strewn about, it is best to get rid of them as soon as possible. Often, people also mistake wood decay for termite damage and vice versa, though these two often complement each other.
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Water damage
There are different types of termites, and while some prefer warmer climates, others like cooler temperatures. The problem is that either way, both kinds will be attracted to moisture. A lot of homes end up disregarding sustained water damage when it’s not severe. But this not only leads to rot but also makes affected areas more likely to bring in those pesky wood-eaters.
Termites prefer moist, dark areas that can keep them away from the intense heat of the sun while making it easier to get through the foundation of any structure they may want to inhabit. It’s important to check the base of your home and even the walls to make sure that there are no remnants of flooding and the like.
Subterranean, Dampwood, and Drywood termites all have different breeding habits and behavior, but these are the items that generally populate their list of favorite things. Make sure to prevent these occurrences as part of your home maintenance so that you don’t carry a big invitation to these incessant pests. Infestations are often only identified when they have started to get worse. So if you suspect termite activity, get it surveyed immediately before extensive damage is caused.
