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In boxing, there are so many weight classes that it can be difficult to compare boxers – how can the power of a welterweight match that of a light heavyweight? Therefore, we use the phrase “pound-for-pound” to describe boxers in relation to one another. So if a boxer is considered “pound-for-pound” the best, he’s the best boxer in the world, regardless of weight.
That probably doesn’t seem relevant, but I’m making a comparison. Because for me, the termite is pound-for-pound the most devastating pest to encounter. Sure, cockroaches spread disease and rodents will gnaw on your cereal, but nothing matches the sheer destructive capability of termites. They can easily cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.
Knowing that, I’d like to help you avoid termite issues in your own home. And one of the keys to doing that is understanding where termites are most commonly found.
- The Simple Answer: Wherever There is Wood to be Eaten
Use this as your guiding principle. We’ll get into specifics in a moment, but this is what you should keep in mind. If there’s wood that can be eaten, there’s always a chance termites could be there.
- Outside Areas
I always feel the need to remind readers that termites don’t originate inside your home – they’ve got to find their way in from the outside world. And usually that happens because termites found an attractive meal on your property. This could be a bundle of old lumber, your firewood pile or even a leftover tree stump. When termites discover such a great food source, they’ll set up a nest nearby. And once all those termites are in such close proximity, they’ll eventually wander over to your home. So be sure your property is devoid of any possible termite food sources.
- Inside Areas
Termites will almost never be discovered inside living areas of the home. If you happen to see a termite crawl across your kitchen floor, that’s a very bad sign – it’s usually indicative of a widespread infestation. Instead, you’re likely to discover termites within the walls, and usually inside a piece of wood. You can check any piece of lumber by knocking on it; if it sounds hollow, termites have already been inside.
You should also check any basement or crawlspace you may have for signs of termites. They prefer dark, secluded and moist places, which makes these spots attractive nesting grounds.
