The Basics of Preventing Termite Damage
Posing a risk greater than fire, flood, and wind, termites are one of the greatest threats to wood-based structures. Learning the basics about these pests is the best way to protect one of the most valuable investments—your home.
While termite damage might not look as dramatic as fire damage, the problems it causes can be equally daunting and exceptionally expensive. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cost Americans more than $5 billion in damage annually.
These silent invaders can infest your home for years, hiding in your basement or attic, without any immediate signs of damage. Understanding basic termite behavior is the first step in preventing these pests from entering your home.
Termite 101
- Termites live inside wood or underneath the ground.
- Termites can slip through cracks in a home’s foundation as thin as an average business card (1/32″).
- Termites eat wood from the inside out, keeping the outside of a wood surface completely intact.
- Termites are social insects that live in colonies of up to several thousand.
While termite species vary based on region, all termites require four things to survive: food, moisture, shelter and optimal temperature. Whether your home is brick, stucco, or wood, termites can thrive in any of these environments.
Be mindful of these key warning signs of infestation:
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Pencil-sized mud tubes on exterior walls.
- Distorted, cracked, or bubbling areas of paint on wood surfaces.
While effective pest control requires continued monitoring by a trained professional, there are some practical steps you can also take to help prevent termite damage, including:
- Sealing gaps and cracks in places like attic vents, window joints, and eaves.
- Preventing ground contact with foam insulation or wood.
- Checking decks and wooden fences for damage.
- Eliminating moisture and removing wood sources, including mulches that are close to the home.
- Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris.
We recently cleared out the attic of my brother’s vacation house and he wanted to make sure it was 100% usable before we started putting furniture and entertainment systems in it. Our first thought was to check if there were any pest problems in it, and so I appreciate your article listing warning signs of infestations, specifically the hollow sound produced by the wood. When my brother checked out the wood he said it didn’t feel very whole. To be very sure, my brother and I will be looking for any possible termite control services who can take a look. We’ll be sure to keep your tips in mind once the check is done. Thank you!
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