There are many causes of termite infestation. Termites can enter a house through any type of crack in the foundation and they are attracted to moisture. They like warm, moist environments that provide plenty of cellulose materials for them to feed on.
The most common things that attract termites into your home are a leaky pipe, a damp basement, poorly ventilated kitchen cabinets, or bathroom cabinets. There are also some foods that attract the pests such as fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.
The other main cause for termite infestation is when a building has been constructed on or near a site where termites are present. Termites are attracted to wood, which is why they will find their way to your home’s foundation and start eating at it.
Introduction to Termite Infestations
Termite infestations are a significant problem that is often overlooked. Termites cause huge property damage and are considered to be one of the most destructive wood-destroying organisms in North America.
To avoid infestations, it is important to know the signs of termites and what can be done if you suspect they are present. There are many ways to get rid of them, but there’s no sure-fire way to make sure they won’t come back.
Termite infestations have the potential for significant property damage, which can be avoided by knowing the signs and knowing what can be done if they are present.
Termite Life Cycle
Termites are social insects that live in large colonies. They are mostly found in Africa, Australia, and North America. The most significant type of termite is known as subterranean termite.
The life cycle of a termite is a complex series of stages that include the egg stage, larval stage, pupal stage, and adult stage. There are typically three to four different types of life cycles depending on the type of species.
Different Types of Termites
There are four types of termites that can affect your home: subterranean, drywood, dampwood and dampwood swarmers.
The subterranean termite is the most widely distributed species of termite in North America. They are most commonly found in the eastern half of the United States, where they prefer a moist-to-wet habitat with high moisture content.
The dry wood termite is found in drier climates with more extreme temperatures and higher aridity levels. They usually inhabit wood that is killed by fungi or other environmental factors, such as wood weakened by water damage.
The damp wood termite lives in Pacific coastal areas where they can find food year-round because of their semi-arid climate.
Understand the Causes and Signs of Termites
Termites are small, wingless, beetle-like insects that live in colonies and eat wood. They can be easily overlooked in the early stages of their lives by homeowners who do not know what to look for. Most termite infestations are found by chance when a homeowner notices ants or other insects entering the home through cracks in the walls or windows.
The first sign of termites is usually mud tubes on the ground. These “funnel” into a hole where they can go up and down to get food and water. Termites also leave behind pellets, wings, shed skins, and fecal matter when they are feeding on things such as wood or paper products like books and magazines.
How to Get Rid of Termites and Protect Your Home From Termites
Termites are a huge problem for homeowners. They damage the foundation of your home by eating away at wood containing cellulose and can be difficult to get rid of.
Here are some tips on how to get rid of termites and protect your home from termites:
– Make sure you have a healthy lawn so that the soil around your house is not moist and has enough air.
– Rake leaves in the fall, so they don’t make their way into the house
– Make sure there is no rotting wood on your property
– Keep dead trees away from the house
– Keep rain gutters clean and in good working order
How to Treat Termite Infestations
There are many ways to treat termite infestations, but the most common way is to use chemical treatments.
There are different chemical treatments that can be used to get rid of a termite infestation. The most common way is by using a chemical treatment that is mixed with water and sprayed on the property.
Some people choose to also protect their homes by installing wood or concrete barriers along the ground in order to create a barrier between the home and the soil. This prevents termites from entering homes through cracks in the ground and places where pipes enter into buildings.
The Problem with Termites – They Destroy Your House from the Inside Out
The way termites work is that they come into your home through cracks in the foundation or other small openings, then eat away at the wood of your home from the inside out. Termites are sneaky creatures because you may not even notice them or some of their damage until it is too late and they have already done a lot of damage to your home.
The problem with termites is that they don’t usually have an appetite for wood, but they will eat the paper if they get hungry enough. Termites can eat through paper and it’s not a pleasant experience for them because it takes time to digest the cellulose.