Termites are a common pest problem throughout the year. But what draws them to your home in the first place? Many people are under the impression that termites only infest wood, and thus, homes made out of wood. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. There are many things that can attract termites to your property, whether you live in a brick, stone, or wood home.
Termite Awareness Week 2021 is coming upon us. The experts at D’s Pest Control are here to share all you need to know about what puts a home more at risk for termites here in Lubbock. Read on to learn more!
6 Conditions That Attract Termites
Under the right circumstances, termites can infest a number of things in or around your home. Here’s what they are looking for:
- Cellulose. Termites may be infamous for infesting wood, but they’re actually after the cellulose contained within! This cellulose is the main component that can be found in wallpaper, plants, mulch, drywall, and more.
- Moisture. Leaky pipes, broken sprinklers, or clogged gutters can all lead to moisture problems in your home. In turn, this could attract subterranean termites (not to mention hoards of other pests) inside.
- Proximity to soil. Subterranean termites need contact with soil to live. Any wood items, whether it’s your home, porch, or firewood in the yard, in contact with soil is at risk for a termite problem.
- Warmth. Termite problems are generally more common in warmer, humid parts of the world. This puts our southern state at a higher risk of termite activity year-round.
- Decaying wood. If you have logs, trees, or stumps that are rotten or in decay, you can be sure termites will seek them out.
- Landscape. Termites can infest mulch, making it important to keep it away from the perimeter of your home. Also, trim back tree branches that may be too close to your property.
Is My Home At Risk For Termites?
No matter what type of home you live in, termites are always a possibility. There are many things that are attractive to termites, as long as it contains cellulose. This puts your drywall, flooring, deck, porch, mulch, or even wallpaper at risk of being infested with termites. So while a brick home may be more difficult for termites to enter, once inside, they can still infest many items.
For this reason, it’s smart to always work with a professional who can pinpoint what may put your home at risk for termites and keep you safe from infestations. Contact the termite control experts at D’s Pest Control today to get started!