Another Early Subterranean Termite Season on Tap
As conditions in our area suggest another early subterranean termite swarm season this month, these pests, which generally do not arrive until Spring, cause billions of dollars of damage annually and are notorious for their destructive habits. They break down cellulose (which wood is made of) in the environment, turning it into nutrient-rich material. This annual scenario certainly requires Westover Hills homeowners to be alert.
There are several ways in which subterranean termites can enter a home:
1. Mud Tunnels – Although the common way of entering the home is at ground level, subterranean termites also construct mud tunnels that allow them to reach entry points above the ground. These entry points can include even the smallest cracks and crevices in brick mortar and concrete slabs (termites only need 1/64th of an inch), allowing them to travel through the interior of the foundational walls. The mud tunnels can be visible on interior and exterior stucco, drywall, brick, rock, adobe, ceilings, and most commonly foundation stem walls.
2. Wood-to-Ground – Structures that allow for wood-to-ground contact make the perfect roadway for termites to enter. Wooden support beams, viga beams, columns and posts, wooden decking/flooring, furniture and steps, window/door frames, and more all provide ample opportunities for subterranean termites to find their way indoors. Additional wooden structures built onto the homes also provide possible entry points, as homes built on concrete slabs are closer to the ground.
3. Expansion joints – In between the concrete slabs of your home and the beginning of the brick and mortar, some joints may sometimes expand, allowing for a small enough gap to allow termites to enter. In fact, many expansion joints are often separated by a type of cork material, and termites have no problem moving through these.
4. Wall fractures – minor fractures in the concrete foundation or brick mortar running throughout the perimeter of your home also provide the ideal entry point for termites to enter, feeding off of the insulation and wooden framing on the interior of those walls.
When diagnosing termite activity, accurate identification of potential exterior entry points into your home is critical. Seeking out and identifying how termites are entering your home provides a good foundation on which a trained pest control professional can assist you in assessing the severity of the problem and next steps.
