How do Termites get into your House – Explained

by MTB Pest Control

how do termites get into your house explained Drywood Termites in Northern Virgina are a common pest that can cause significant damage to homes in Silver Spring MD. Unlike subterranean termites, dry-wood termites do not build mud tubes to gain entrance to houses. Instead, they find their way inside through various entry points. Need Termite Pest Control in Silver Spring MD.? Discover How Do Termites Enter Your Home: Explained. Contact MTB Pest Control today. (301) 613-6570 or (301) 449-2937.

One common way dry wood termites enter homes is through cracks and gaps in the foundation or slab. They can fit through tiny openings as small as 1/32 of an inch, making it easy for them to access a house’s interior. They may also enter through expansion joints, bath traps, and cracks caused by settling over time.

Other potential entry points for dry wood termites include cracks and gaps around patios, porches, sidewalks, steps, and chimneys constructed adjacent to the foundation wall. They may also find their way in through supporting piers in houses with crawl spaces. Homes with siding extending below the soil also allow termites to enter, as they can access the house’s interior behind the siding without being detected.

How to Prevent Drywood Termite Infestations:

Remove Access & Reduce Food Sources To prevent dry wood termite infestations in your home, taking two key steps is essential. First, seal all cracks, crevices, and joints in the exterior wood to remove access points for termites. Applying a fresh coat of paint and installing bug screens over the attic and foundation vents can help achieve this. Secondly, reduce food sources for dry wood termites. Remove dead trees, firewood, and any other dead wood that may serve as a nesting area for these pests. By taking these preventative measures, you can help protect your home from dry-wood termite infestations.

Drywood termites may enter a house from outside wood sources, such as trellises or planter boxes. They can infest the wood source, build mud tubes throughout it, and eventually enter through a crack or gap. Once inside a house, dry wood termites do not require soil for moisture like subterranean termites. They obtain the water they need from the wood they infest, so they do not build mud tubes. This can make it more challenging to detect their presence until damage becomes apparent.

It is essential to be vigilant for signs of termite infestation, regardless of the type of termite. Regular inspections and proper home maintenance can help prevent termite entry and minimize the risk of damage. If you suspect a Silver Spring termite infestation, it is recommended to consult with a professional pest control company for proper identification and treatment.

Damp wood Termites: How to Protect Your Home

Damp wood termites prefer wood with high moisture levels and are less likely to infest a house than subterranean or drywood termites. These termites typically infest areas where damp wood is in constant contact with the ground or water leaks keep the wood wet. Infestations can occur when damp wood termites are introduced through infested lumber or mulch. These pests are drawn to light, so porch lights left on at night can attract them. If swarmer’s find their way inside, they will establish a small chamber in damp wood to mate and start a new colony. To prevent termite damage to your home, schedule a free termite inspection
with MTB Pest Control in Silver Spring, MD, today.

Prevent Subterranean Termite Infestations: How Can You Help?

Limit Access

Seal gaps around water and gas lines to halt subterranean termite in silver Spring entry into your home. Wood-to-ground contact is a common ingress point for these pests. Minimize such contact to deter termites. Additionally, treat wood with termiticide to repel them effectively.

Reduce Food Sources

Eliminate excess cellulose materials in crawlspaces and dispose of them. Opt for cellulose-free alternatives for landscaping mulch or keep it at least six inches away from your foundation. Ensure wooden siding is six inches above the ground to prevent termites from infiltrating.

Customized Termite Treatment Plans Just for You

Each home is distinctive, and our termite treatments suit your needs and preferences. Get termite removal in Silver Spring MD or Northern Virgina and eliminate pests fast with MTB Pest: