Termites are considered a eusocial insect classified as the taxonomic rank of infraorder isoptera. In simpler terms, termites are wood-eating insects that can cause massive damage to the wood finishing in and around your home. While termites come in many different shapes and sizes, your home’s most common form is red.

The Difference When Dealing With Termites

Termites are a unique insect because, unlike cockroaches and other common household pests, they don’t pose any threat to your health. Instead, they target your home’s stability and integrity, which makes them so dangerous. Termites mate and nest just like any other insect, which means the longer you allow them to foster, the worse they’ll become.

Before you can begin addressing termites in or around your home, you must know what attracts them. Termites are primarily attracted to cellulose material and lumber. If you have an abundance of these materials near your home, you should try to store them as far away from your foundation.

Continue reading to find out more about what attracts termites to your home.

What Attracts Termites?

Several things can attract termites to your home, some of the most common include firewood, newspaper, lumber, and any other material made from cellulose. Termites are also attracted to very damp and dark places; if you have any small crawl spaces that haven’t been cleaned in quite some time, you should consider cleaning and drying it out.

Termites are also very attracted to moist soil if, at all possible, you should try to keep the soil nearest your home’s foundation as dry as possible. You can do this by fixing any leaking pipes or faucets in your home and redirecting excess water accumulation.

HERE ARE THE TOP THREE SIGNS THAT YOU’RE DEALING WITH A TERMITE INFESTATION:

⦁ Mud tubes found in areas where the ground meets your home
⦁ Wood damage found near surfaces such as floors and walls
⦁ Discarded wings located near closed doors or windows

Scrap wood and untreated fence posts are also attractants for termites, so getting rid of these problems substantially reduces the odds of termites infesting your home.

Keeping Termites Away From Your Home

The best way to get rid of termites within your home and prevent them from infesting it is by reducing moisture. Using a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity in your home’s interior space is also very useful. Treat all of your wood finishes regularly to avoid material decay, which attracts termites even more.

Also, check your fascia boards, plumbing pipes, cracked shingles, and broken window screens. These are breeding grounds for termite infestation. If all else fails, contact a professional exterminator near you who will be able to assist.

People Also Ask

Q: What is the first sign of termites?
A: the first sign of a termite infestation in your home is seeing reoccurring flying termites. These are also known as swarmers, and they are the males, which means females could be near trying to find a nest in your home.

Q: How do you get rid of termites?
A: the best way to get rid of termites around your home is by treating your soil with a termite insecticide. You can also pre-treat your wood with a termite repellant to prevent them from nesting around your home.

Q: What kind of wood attracts termites?
A: termites are very attracted to wood with high moisture content and the presence of decay.

Understanding What Attracts Termites

By reviewing the information in this article and performing an assessment of your property, you will identify all of the areas that termites are attracted to around your home. Use the tips we’ve given you to help sustain a safe and healthy home environment free of any termites. Contact Pest Friends today when dealing with a termite infestation in your home or business.

The Arizona Department of Agriculture has more information on Termites and homeowner guidance