What do we already know about termites? They live in colonies, they’re attracted to wood, and their infestations can set you back a lot of money! Most homeowners in Springfield, Enfield, and the surrounding areas want to do everything they can to ensure they don’t fall victim to a termite infestation. This includes paying close attention to the various wood around your home, such as stored lumber, construction debris, brush piles and fallen trees. But we’ve heard a lot of people asking: is there anything besides wood that termites might be attracted to? Read on to see seven surprising things that attract termites!
Any moisture–including that from leaks, poor ventilation, condensation, and poor drainage, will attract termites when combined with wood.
Termites won’t technically eat foam board insulation or non-wood exterior wall materials (such as stucco or synthetic cement). However, they are attracted to the protection and shelter offered by these materials, and will still bore through them or between them until they stumble upon wood.
These can impact more than just the structural integrity of your home! Termites are constantly foraging underground for food sources. If they make their way towards a cracked foundation, it’s likely they will investigate and enter the home!
After a construction project is finished, the leftover materials are often left behind or buried at the site. If any wooden scraps, foundation forms, or even sawdust are left in the soil near the home, termites will gobble these up.
You may want to switch to rocks in those flower beds! Even mulch can be a food source for termites, so it may be risky to have mulch beds right up against your foundation!
Both of these offer protection from the elements. Termites will naturally seek out areas that are dark, moist and warm, such as crawl spaces.
Although you can’t control the weather, it’s still important to know that termites thrive during particularly wet or rainy seasons. Be on the lookout for signs of a termite infestation when the weather is excessively moist.
If you suspect you have an infestation or want to talk about any pest control treatments, don’t hesitate to give Graduate Pest Solutions a call!
