Termites are tiny pests that can cause big problems. They are known for eating away at the wooden structures in homes and businesses, leading to costly repairs. In fact, termites cause billions of dollars in damage every year.
So, what is the cause of termites in the first place? Understanding what attracts these destructive insects is the first step in preventing an infestation. This article will explore the underlying causes of termite infestations, including issues like moisture, poor drainage, direct wood contact with the soil, and even something as seemingly harmless as your landscaping mulch.
We’ll also discuss how geographical location, cracks or other openings in your home’s foundation, and a lack of regular inspections can contribute to a termite problem.
What attracts termites to your property?
Like most pests, termites need food, water, and shelter. Unfortunately, many of us unknowingly provide these necessities, turning our properties into all-you-can-eat termite buffets.
Termites’ favorite food is cellulose, which is found in wood. That’s why they’re so drawn to homes and other wooden structures. We contribute to the problem when we stack firewood near the house, leave dead trees in the yard, or let leaves pile up against the foundation.
Subterranean termites also need moisture. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, and even excessive mulch can create the damp conditions they love. Other types of termites, like drywood and dampwood termites, have different moisture requirements, but they all share the same basic needs: food, water, and shelter.
The good news is that by understanding what attracts termites, we can take steps to prevent infestations.
Moisture: The Silent Enabler of Termite Infestations
If you’re wondering what causes termites, moisture is a major factor. While termites do need wood to survive, they also need water.
Sources of Moisture Around the Home
Here are some common ways moisture can build up in or around your home, attracting termites:
- Leaky pipes and faucets. Even a small drip can create a constant water source that attracts termites.
- Poor ventilation. Crawl spaces and attics that aren’t properly ventilated can trap humidity, which termites need to survive.
- Standing water. Pools of water near your foundation create the perfect breeding ground for termites.
Moisture Control Strategies
The best way to keep termites away is to control the moisture around your home. Here are some ways to do that:
- Repair leaky plumbing promptly. Regular plumbing inspections can catch small leaks before they become big problems.
- Improve ventilation. Install vents or dehumidifiers in enclosed spaces like crawl spaces and attics.
- Ensure proper drainage. Make sure your landscaping slopes away from your foundation so water doesn’t pool around it.
Improper drainage: a termite superhighway
When water pools near your home’s foundation, it soaks the soil and makes it easier for termites to tunnel through to the wood. Several things can cause this.
For example, clogged gutters or downspouts can cause water to spill over and saturate the ground right next to the foundation. If your yard slopes toward your house instead of away from it (called “negative grading”), that can also create a straight shot for termites. Basically, any kind of excess moisture around your foundation will eventually attract termites.
Wood Contact: A Termite Invitation
Termites need access to wood, and if your home offers them easy access, you’re increasing your risk of infestation. Structures like decks, stairs, fences, and untreated posts that touch the soil act like little termite bridges.
Stacking firewood against your house is practically an engraved invitation. Firewood gives termites both food and shelter, an all-inclusive resort for pests.
Leaving wood debris and construction scraps lying around your yard is also a bad idea. Termites are attracted to this kind of material, so clean up thoroughly after any construction or landscaping projects.
Finally, using untreated wood in construction is just asking for trouble. If you’re building something, use pressure-treated wood or naturally termite-resistant species like redwood or cedar.
How termites get inside
Termites don’t need much of an opening to get into your house. Even tiny cracks in your foundation or walls are large enough for them to squeeze through. The same goes for small spaces around pipes and plumbing. If you have any unsealed areas where utilities enter the house, termites can use these to get inside.
Damaged siding, fascia boards, and eaves are also common entry points. Weathering and general wear and tear can create openings that termites can exploit. To prevent this, seal any cracks and openings you find in your foundation, walls, and around any plumbing or electrical lines.
Mulch: A double-edged sword
Mulch can be good for your garden, but it also creates a perfect environment for termites. Mulch provides moisture and organic matter, which attracts these pests and gives them a place to thrive close to your home’s foundation.
To deter termites, keep mulch at least six inches away from your foundation—more if you can. You could also consider using inorganic mulches like gravel or stone, which are less attractive to termites than wood chips or other organic materials.
Geography and Climate: Where Termites Thrive
Termites are all about that warm, moist life. They love the heat, and they need moisture to survive, so they’re most active in warmer, wetter climates.
If you live in the southern United States, you’re more likely to deal with termites. Certain regions, like Florida and the Gulf Coast, have especially high termite populations.
It’s also important to remember that different species behave differently. So, the exact infestation patterns depend on what kinds of termites are common where you live.
Neglecting Regular Inspections: A Recipe for Disaster
One of the biggest termite-related mistakes homeowners make is failing to get their homes inspected regularly. You really need an expert to come out and look around.
If you catch termites early, you can treat the problem before it becomes extensive. If you wait, you could end up with massive damage that costs a fortune to repair.
And don’t think you can just handle termite control yourself. DIY methods usually aren’t effective. You need a professional pest control company to get the job done right.
Key Takeaways
Termites are drawn to moisture, poor drainage, wood in contact with the ground, cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, mulch, and certain geographic locations. Regular inspections are also vital in preventing termites because even the most conscientious homeowner can miss the early signs of an infestation.
The key to preventing termites from invading your home is to control moisture, improve drainage, minimize wood-to-ground contact, seal openings in your foundation, and schedule regular termite inspections. Taking these steps can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and protect your home’s structural integrity.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Take proactive steps to protect your home from termites today.