What Attracts Termites to a Home?

Termites are among the costliest pests a homeowner could find in their home. With the extensive damage they can cause while remaining silent and undetected, repair costs can quickly add up and break the bank for many homeowners. Though many believe that weather can stall or hinder termite activity in their home, these pests are continuously active throughout the year.

Termites require a few basic requirements to ensure a colony can sustain itself. Unfortunately, many of the items needed for their survival are present in your home if you haven’t taken the necessary precautions to discourage their arrival. Here are the key factors that can attract termites to your home:

• Food Sources – Like all other pests, termites require adequate food sources to sustain their colonies. Unfortunately, construction materials, like lumber, are composed of the wood and cellulose material they are actively searching for. This means that even if your home is composed of brick or other materials, the supporting wood underneath is a potential target for termites.
• Moisture – Subterranean termites in Oklahoma will often be attracted to moist soil around the foundation of your home. For this reason, it is important to minimize the amount of moisture that is accumulating near your home with guttering systems and downspouts that divert water away from your home. Any sprinklers or irrigation systems that are present should be used away from the home’s foundation as well.
• Privacy – Because termites require moisture for survival, they will often be found in warm, dark places around your home. It is important to make these undisturbed areas as unaccommodating as possible. To do this, homeowners should reduce moisture in areas like crawl spaces and evaluate any other moisture sources around their homes that could be utilized by these destructive pests.

Why Emtec Pest Control?

A lot of pest control companies say they offer termite treatment. But termite treatment may not always mean termite control. And termite control does not always mean termite colony elimination. At Emtec Pest Control, we have been providing high-quality termite elimination and protection for over 35 years. Whether it is new or existing construction, residential or commercial property, we have the expertise to provide the right treatment for your specific needs.