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Why A Building Attracts Termites

Termites serve an essential role in nature. They find dead wood and then consume it, clearing up terrain and fertilizing the land so that future vegetation can grow. However, termites cannot distinguish between wood waste, and wood that is used in the home. Let’s take a look at the factors that attract termites to a building and what you can do to lower the odds of a termite colony finding your home attractive.

Humidity

One of the main factors that leads to termite infestations is humidity. Excess humidity in the home damages the wood, softens it up and increases its moisture content, creating the ideal conditions for termites. This excess humidity can come from a leaky pipe or a clogged gutter.

Wood that is high in moisture may also be found outside the home, and it may draw in termites which will then infest the home as well. Outdoor wood such as firewood piles, mulch, and tree stumps have to be carefully watched because of the possibility that they will attract termites.

Prevention methods

One of the ways to prevent termite infestations is to make sure that the humidity levels in the home stay low. Any leaks or sources of excess moisture need to be fixed as soon as possible, and any outdoor wood that is exposed to the elements has to be kept far away from the home.

Certain control methods can also be used to prevent infestations. Chemical barriers and baiting stations, for example, are excellent at keeping subterranean termite infestations at bay. Wood treatments can also be purchased and applied to vulnerable wood in the home in order to protect it against drywood and dampwood termites.

Control

Once an infestation is well underway, it is time to move on to the control part of the process. When it comes to control, there are several methods that can be used, and the method of choice will depend on a variety of factors, such as the species responsible for the infestation and the size of the termite population in the home.

A pest control pro will perform an inspection first to gather this information and will then explain all the choices that you have at your disposal to deal with the termites. For more information on why termite infestations start and how to stop them, or if you currently have a termite infestation in your home, contact us today.

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