How Termites Can Destroy the Structure of your Home in Months

by | Aug 27, 2018 | Termites, Tips

Termites are responsible for over six billion dollars in damages. Underground termites manufacture unmistakable passages, frequently alluded to as “mud tubes,” to achieve nourishment sources and shield themselves from outside. They utilize their scissor-like jaws to eat wood 24 hours per day, seven days seven days. Like other termite species, underground termites likewise feed on items containing cellulose. Underground termites swarm in the spring when gatherings of regenerative termites head out to begin new provinces.

Termites Can Destroy Your Home in Months

Pest World captures first hand the amount of damage termites are capable of in just a couple of months. Once placed in the soil surrounding the Tiny House that was built to simulate a real home, they quickly began their attack on the structure. Pest World recently completed a tiny house termite project that captures their destructive nature in action in this video below.

Arrow Termite and Pest Control stays committed to protecting homeowners from termite damage and infestations. Arrow offer Termite treatment and prevention through it’s proven methods and services such as Sentricon’s Termite Baiting System, TAP Termite Control, and Liquid Termite Control. Here are 7 effective ways to help prevent a termite infestation.

  1. Keep all dirt 2 to 3 inches below the first brickIt is important that we are able to see 2 to 3 inches of the concrete foundation around the exterior of the entire home to visually inspect the slab properly for termites. For best results do not place dirt or landscaping within 6 inches of the exterior foundation so the chemical barrier is not broken or disturbed keeping termites from finding a pathway to your home or office.
  2. Keep all ivy and plants from growing next to or onto the exterior foundationIvy prohibits us from rendering an effective inspection. Ivy also commonly causes a moisture problem and creates a direct path for termites to infest a structure.
  3. Avoid stacking firewood or other wood type materials within 25 feet of a home unless it is stacked on a metal baseIt is important not to create a bridge for termites with wood touching the ground near the exterior of your house.
  4. Avoid using mulch for landscaping near the exterior of the homeMulch can create an entry way for termites to infest your home. All mulch needs to be 6-12 inches from the foundation. Pine straw and rocks are good alternatives to hardwood mulches.
  5. Inspect the outside of home for moisture problemsAn area that commonly rots and acts as harborage for termites is masonite siding. The bottom 3 to 4 boards of masonite usually rot within 3 years of installation. It is not uncommon for wooden windows and doors to show signs of moisture within 4 to 5 years of installation, especially when a house has small eaves that provide little protection from direct rain. Caulk around all windows, particularly wooden windows and doors to prevent moisture. Water that drains adjacent to a structure will wick into the wall areas through bricks, mortar joints and weep holes.
  6. Keep surrounding dirt around your home moisture freeRain and sprinkler water should drain away from the home. Remove or redirect sprinkler systems that wet within 8-12 inches of a structure. Gutters and downspouts should be maintained to prevent leaks and proper drainage. Water from rain and sprinkler systems will keep the dirt moist. The moisture that has wicked inside the structure from the dirt above grade can allow termites to live without ground contact.
  7. Maintain the barrier protecting your homePressure washing your home with sodium hypochlorite (bleach) can deactivate the termiticide. Digging or re-landscaping within 8 inches of your home can break the chemical barrier allowing termites an avenue to your home. It is important to contact Arrow’s office for a retreatment to keep your home protected. Every 5 years, a complete ground barrier treatment should be applied to be effective. Termite renewals should be completed when due.

If you are under a current termite policy, these tips provided are part of the homeowner’s responsibility to limit infestations and to upkeep your home, so Arrow Termite and Pest Control can inspect and treat it properly at all times. Need a WDIR – Wood Destroying Insect Report, request it here.

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