We know termites are not something that you think about on a daily basis. Unless you’re an entomologist, or you’re like us and you deal in pest removal, or you have a termite infestation.
It’s not pretty, having a termite problem. You know they’re virtually silently eating away at your home, and maybe some of your furniture, all while doing extensive damage to both your home, and your psyche.
The good news is that while it may be hard, termites can be eradicated. But before that happens, it may be helpful to understand where you termite problem came from.
Unfortunately, termites can be hard to spot, and therefore it may be hard to pinpoint the exact reason they chose your home. Termites can be found both inside and outside the home.
Outside the home
While you’re trying to detect where a termite problem originated, you’ll want to take a look at the outside of your house. Signs of subterranean termite damage may not be visible, as these termites live underground in damp soil. Subterranean termites will build mud tunnels cred from saliva, mud, and feces, and bore their way from the outside to the inside of your home.
Mud tunnels are how termites access food sources above the ground. The tubes can be seen located near the home’s foundation, or on the outside walls of infested homes. You can spot mud tunnels by the small piles of dirt near tiny holes in the ground.
You probably already know that termites love to eat through wood. If your structure is made of untreated wood, they will glom onto it. Termites will eat through floors, ceilings, cabinets, and furniture while making nests along the way. Wood isn’t the only thing these pests can travel through, however. Termites are also capable of moving through plaster and metal siding. This means that even if you live in a trailer, you can still get termites.
Termites also need water to live, so be sure to fix any leaky pipes, and try not to overwater any plants. Be sure to remove any standing water from around your home. This will prevent other pests like mosquitos from settling down on your property as well.
If you keep wood stacked up right next to your home, move it as soon as you can. Woodpiles will only attract more termites.
Inside the home
As mentioned, termites eat wood and paper. Stacks of cardboard can be particularly enticing to termites. If your home is cluttered with a lot of paper or wood, termites may come running.
To find out if water attracted them to your home, check under sinks and around other areas that may be moist from a leaky pipe or faucet. If you find mold, moisture, or water, be sure to get the pipes or faucets fixed immediately.
To check for signs of termites around the home, look for discarded wings, carcasses, or droppings.
No one wants termites, that’s a given. But if you happen to have termites, it may be time to call a professional pest removal service. Termites are notoriously hard to eradicate, but we at San Joaquin Pest Control have been doing just that for over 40 years.
