Termite infestations can be some of the most damaging pest infestations that you will ever have to deal with. This is why it’s important to know why these infestations start and what you can do to minimize the factors that lead to an infestation.

Outdoor factors

There are several outdoor factors which will draw termites to your property, and once the termites infest an outdoor piece of wood, it’s likely that they will eventually reach the home. So it’s important to remove these outdoor factors in order to lower the overall odds of a termite infestation.

One of the main things that attracts termites to a property is firewood. Firewood is dead, it is often in contact with the ground, and it is exposed to high levels of humidity at times. This makes it an ideal target for termites. To remove firewood as an incentive for outdoor infestations, you should keep it under a cover so that it is protected from the rain, elevated a few inches above the ground, and as far away from the home as possible.

Mulch and tree stumps can also meet the standards for a termite infestation. Both are composed of dead wood that is often in contact with conditions of high humidity. When close to the home, they can pose a major infestation risk.

Indoor factors

Indoors, humidity levels play a crucial role in attracting termites. To start, you have obvious sources of humidity such as leaky pipes and clogged gutters, which greatly increase the moisture content of the surrounding wood. However, even higher than normal moisture levels in areas of the home with a lot of exposed wood, areas such as the basement, attic or the crawl spaces, will open up your home to infestation.

Preventing and controlling termite infestations

To prevent termite infestation, wood has to be protected against high moisture levels. If an infestation has already started, you will have to move onto control, and depending on the species responsible for the infestation, you will have several options at your disposal. A pro will usually guide you through these options and the decision making process after he performs an inspection on the home and determines the extent of the infestation and the species responsible.

For more information on how to prevent and control termite infestations, or if you have an infestation in your home, contact us today.