3 Things Termites Need To Survive
Termites are a tough species. No, they can’t survive a nuclear blast, but they invade roughly 5 million homes and cause $5 billion in property damage yearly, the National Pest Management Association estimates. A large reason termites invade so many homes is that homes and other structures provide the three things termites need to survive: food, moisture, and shelter.
Knowing what to look for is the first step in preventing termites. Here’s what they need to survive.
Food
Termites chew through wood as food. Subterranean termites live in the soil and move into structures by consuming the structural wood. Termites can squeeze themselves through gaps as small as 1/16 inch. Do your best to eliminate areas where structural wood directly comes into contact with the soil around your home. This can help stop mud tubes and tunnels from forming, which can lead to structural damage if left alone.
Moisture
Like humans, termites also need a certain amount of moisture to survive. They thrive in damp areas around your home, like poorly insulated attics and crawl spaces. Dehumidifiers can help combat this. Be sure to also always look for mold, as that’s a sure sign of a damp area!
Shelter
As mentioned above, termites can squeeze into a 1/16 inch gap. Word of a new susceptible structure will travel through the colony fast. Once inside, termites don’t leave until the wood is gone. That’s why termite damage repair can get very expensive, very quickly.
Prevent Termites With 707 Pest Solutions
Prevention is one of the best ways to protect your building from termite damage. Implementing a proven termite control plan early on is one of the new homeowners’ smartest investments. Often, termite damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. Having an effective termite control system in place will help to protect your home from termites year after year.
We can, of course, also help exterminate existing termite infestations. We’d like to drive the point home that by the time you notice visible external termite damage, the inside of your structure has likely faced far worse damage. No matter your situation, hiring a professional termite control company is an intelligent play when dealing with termites. Allow 707 Pest Solutions to set you up with protection that will last.