Do you think your brick home is impenetrable? Termites are known as wood-destroying insects, prone to tunneling through the support or wood siding in homes. Their behavior leads many homeowners to believe their brick home isn’t vulnerable to termite infestations. Though brick or concrete houses are little harder for termites to enter, they aren’t completely safe from termites. Below we’ll share with you how termites make their way into brick or concrete homes.
Brick Veneer
A lot of modern homes appear to be constructed of brick but are really built with brick veneer. The homes are constructed with a wood frame, like most structures, and the brick is applied to the surface instead of wood or vinyl siding. If moist soil or mulch makes contact with the edge of the brick veneer, termites will travel behind the veneer and access the wood underneath. Termites won’t leave behind a visible entry point, and will most likely do serious damage before they’re discovered. Maintaining a space of about four inches between any brick veneer and other moist soil-like materials is advised when developing a home.
Concrete Slabs
Surprisingly, concrete slabs are more vulnerable to invasion than homes built with basements. The space beneath the slab is dark and wet, providing termites with the perfect environment to thrive. Termites can enter your home through expansion joints in the concrete, holes for plumbing or spaces for electrical wiring and utilities. Ensure all entry points are sealed, and keep water away from your foundation. A baiting system can reduce the risk of infestation and protect your home from unwanted termite visitors.
Structural Brick
Older brick homes are commonly built with structural brick instead of veneer. The walls aren’t made with a wooden frame work, instead, they are entirely supported by brick. The walls are traditionally several bricks thick, while veneer is usually built with only one layer of brick. Most homes with structural bricks have interior plaster over wood lath, which is directly attached to the masonry with no space or insulation. Once termites enter through, they have direct access to wooden elements inside your home.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites target any home with wood inside, regardless of the home’s composition. The termite enters the home through a wood object, like furniture, a picture frame or lumber. The drywood termites build their nests inside the wood and can live within your walls or even just the table leg. The best way to prevent a drywood termite infestation is to scrutinize any wood you bring into your home.
Contact Arrow Termite & Pest Control for a Free Estimate today! Our team of termite experts quickly identify signs of infestation and act fast to protect your home.
