Are There Termites in Your House? Here Are Some Ways They Can Get Inside

If you’ve got termites in your house, the only thing you’re thinking about is how to make them leave. But it’s just as important to consider how they got there in the first place.

Prevention is the best defense for keeping termites out of your home. When you start to see evidence of termite damage, the problem has likely been festering a while and will take longer to cure. 

If you have any of the following symptoms, you could be at risk for a termite invasion

Dark or Damp Basement

Termites love seclusion and moisture, which is why basements and crawl spaces make the perfect home for these pests. 

Termites thrive on the cellulose in your home’s wood. In fact, your home could provide them enough food for their entire lives—and then some!

Since many basements and crawl spaces have exposed wood and aren’t often disturbed, termites make their way into these spaces and set up permanent camp. 

Home Too Close to Grass

Termites make their way into your home from the outside, and it’s easier for them if there isn’t much standing between your home and the ground they live in.

Ideally, you should have a small barrier of brick, concrete, or other nonorganic material that separates your home from your lawn. Otherwise, termites will have a direct route between the outside world and your home.

In addition, you should take notice of any trees or shrubbery growing too close to your home’s walls. Termites can use your greenery just as easily to gain access to your home. 

Construction Issues

As a homeowner, you should already know that a well-sealed home is a healthy home. But the benefits go beyond energy efficiency and moisture issues.

Termites are tiny and can fit in cracks as thin as a credit card. Small cracks, holes, or other cavities in your home are gaping doorways for pests like termites, giving them every reason to walk right in without an invitation.

Sealing up as many gaps and cracks as possible can help you keep pests where they belong. If you’re not sure if this is a major issue in your home, consider having a home inspector come out to find problem areas you may have missed.

Moisture Problems

Mold isn’t the only problem that moisture creates. Termites like damp environments, especially if those wet areas are also dark.

Puddles near your home’s foundation, roof issues, or leaky air conditioning units can provide all the wetness termites need to set up shop. 

Any plumbing or moisture issues should be addressed immediately to avoid termites and other serious issues.

Tell Your Termites in Your House Their Days Are Numbered

If you have or suspect you might have termites in your house, you need to take care of the problem quickly. A termite infestation can quickly turn into a major disaster that compromises your home’s structure. 

Chet’s Termite and Pest Control is Tampa’s termite solution. Give us a call today for a free 57-point inspection and tell your termites their days are numbered.