5 Reasons Why You Can't Get Rid of Termites in Your Home
If you're seeing termites in your home, again and again, it's important to figure out why. There could be several reasons why termites keep coming back, and understanding the root cause can help you get rid of them for good.
What are Termites, and What Do They Look Like?
Termites are small, white, winged insects that live in colonies underground. They feed on wood and other organic materials, and can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures.
There are three main types of termites: drywood termites, dampwood termites, and subterranean termites.
Drywood termites live in dry, wooded areas and do not require contact with soil to survive. They are the most common type of termite in the United States.
Dampwood termites live in damp or wet wood and require contact with moisture to survive. They are most common in coastal areas.
Subterranean termites live in the soil and require contact with moisture to survive. They are the most common type of termite in the world and are found in every state except Alaska.
Signs of Termites in Your Home
The first step in getting rid of termites is to identify whether or not you have them. There are several signs of termites in your home that you can look for:
Discarded wings: Termites shed their wings when they mate. If you find wings in your home, it’s a good sign that you have termites.
Mud tubes: Termites build mud tubes to travel from their nests to their food source. If you find mud tubes in your home, it’s a good sign that you have termites.
Hollow wood: Termites eat wood from the inside out, so if you tap on wood and it sounds hollow, it’s a good sign that you have termites.
Visible insects: If you see insects that look like termites, it’s a good sign that you have termites.
Damage to wood: If you see damage to wood in your home, it’s a good sign that you have termites.
Why Termites Keep Returning to Your Home and What to Do
Here are five possible reasons why you might be seeing termites in your home again and again:
1. There's a Termite Colony Nearby
If there's a termite colony in your neighbourhood, they may keep coming back to your home even if you've treated it for termites in the past. To keep them from coming back, you'll need to eliminate the colony.
2. Your Home Has Structural Damage
If your home has any structural damage, it may be more attractive to termites. Be sure to repair any damage to your home's foundation, framing, or other structural elements to help keep termites away.
3. You Have a Moisture Problem
Termites are attracted to moisture, so if your home has any leaks or other moisture problems, it may be more likely to get termites. Be sure to fix any leaks and keep your home well-ventilated to help prevent termites.
4. You Have Wood or Other Organic Material in Your Yard
If you have wood or other organic material in your yard, it may be attracting termites. Be sure to remove any wood or other organic material from your yard to help keep termites away.
5. You Have a Termite Problem in Your Neighborhood
If there are a lot of termite-infested homes in your neighbourhood, it may be more likely that termites will find their way into your home.
Conclusion
If you're seeing termites in your home, again and again, it's likely because they're coming from an outside source. There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening, including sealing up any cracks or gaps in your foundation and making sure there's no wood close to your home that they can use as a bridge. If you have a termite problem, you should contact a professional to get rid of them as soon as possible.
D-Day Pest Control offers safe and effective pest control services in Geelong, Australia. Whether you have a termite infestation or a cockroach problem in your business or home, we can eradicate these unwanted guests. Check our website today to request a quote!
