Termite Attraction Factors

Termites are thought to only be attracted to wood but that’s not the case. There are many things in your homes that can attract them. Knowing where to find them and how to prevent them from coming into your home is very important.

1. Moisture

Contrary to popular belief, termites are not only drawn to dry wood. They actually can’t digest cellulose, or plant-based material, without moisture. In fact, moisture is so important to termites that they would dry up and die without it. With that said it’s important to check for areas in and around your home that have excessive moisture and take care of drying it out if you can.

2. Darkness

Lots of insects like to lurk in the darkness and the termite is one of them. They can hide from predators there and dark areas are usually moister than bright spots. Winged termites are, however, drawn to light so you should be able to find them more easily.

3. Mulch And Other Decorative Ground Covers

Mulch and other decorative ground covers-Mulch would be considered an obvious termite attractant but it’s not necessarily just because of the wood. Mulch is usually thick and dark and it holds moisture well. Sometimes homeowners will pile new mulch on top of old mulch when freshening up their flower beds. A good practice though is to rake away the old mulch before putting down the new mulch and don’t make it more than 2” thick.

4. Plant-Based Material

Termites are not limited to a strictly wood diet. They will eat leaves, bark, paper, cardboard, and anything else made of plants. It’s a good idea to keep your home clear of debris and boxes so as to not attract them to your home.

Make sure to check your home periodically for termites. 

The 5 Types of Termites You Need to Know About

Spring is coming. With the change in seasons comes termites. As the temperatures start to rise, “swarming season” begins. This leaves much of the country ripe for infestation.

Infestation happens most often in Memphis and the Mid-South. Infestation brings significant damage to homes, offices and other wood-based structures.

So what should you watch for? Visible tubes or tunnels in trees, floor boards or other wood in or near your home. Keep an eye out for tell-tale signs like peeling paint, pinpoint holes, squeaky floors, crumbling wood, and stuck windows or doors.

These signs don’t always indicate termites. But they are a sign you should investigate or even have a professional inspect. If you have these signs, termites might have taken up residence in your home or outdoor space.

Subterranean Termites

These termites are very common, especially in hotter and damper climates. Think the deep South and other warm weather regions. As the name suggests, these termites live underground in colonies that number in the millions.

Subterranean termites are among the most destructive of all termites. Thanks to saw-toothed jaws that can easily bite into wood fragments bit by bit, they can devour it.

While it may not sound too damaging, over time a colony can take over an entire building. It leads to significant repair and restoration costs for property owners.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites are aptly named. They’re particularly attracted to moisture-rich wood. Decaying wood or areas with significant leaks or natural moisture attract these insects.

By creating a series of chambers within trees, stumps, logs and outdoor poles and posts, dampwood termites create a sandpaper-like effect. They permanently damage the surrounding area.

Formosan Termites

Tennessee is home to these very versatile, very destructive termites. Like subterranean termites, formosan termites live underground. They live in very large colonies. They can attack everything from trees and shrubs to structures in a home or office.

These unique termites start by building mud “nests'' in the soil. They then begin eating away at wood frames, floors, walls and virtually anything else that comes into their path. A single colony can destroy up to one foot of wood in 30 days or less.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites do infest and make colonies. But these termites are small compared to subterranean termite colony sizes. They make their nest in the wood they are infesting. While subterranean termites can do that, it’s fairly rare. They go back to the main colony in the soil.

Conehead Termites

Like formosan termites, conehead termites build mud nests in the ground. They live in trees or wooden structures. However, these termites don’t exclusively tunnel underground. Instead, they move and populate a space like ants. It enables them to spread and infest very quickly.

6 Common Myths About Termites

6 Common Myths About Termites (and why they’re wrong)

• Termite infestations are obvious
• Properties previously treated for termites are safe forever
• Termites aren’t a problem in the winter
• Termites are only attracted to wood
• Termites can be treated with DIY solutions
• Termite treatments are expensive

It’s true -- termites are a pest. But at the same time, a major challenge to combating the spread -- and the damage -- is the fact that many homeowners are completely misinformed when it comes to termites. By understanding what they are and what they aren't, you’ll be better able to spot an infestation and get it under control -- or, better, to prevent termite problems entirely.

Termite Myth #1

Termite Infestations Are Obvious

Termites are quiet invaders. By the time you notice tunnels in wood, droppings and other telltale signs, your termite problem has probably already reached infestation proportions and resulted in structural damage. Termites take root in small cracks, crevices and other hard-to-spot places.

Termite Myth #2

Properties Previously Treated For Termites Are Safe Forever

A single termite treatment won’t keep termites at bay indefinitely. Many homeowners assume that since their home has been treated once, it’s safe and they don’t need to worry about future problems. Unfortunately, this is how some of the biggest termite infestations begin.

Termite Myth #3

Termites Aren’t A Problem In The Winter

Yes, most pests are more active in the spring and summer, but this rule doesn’t apply to termites. They don’t hibernate and actually tunnel deeper into wood searching for warmth, causing more structural damage and resulting in a most costly extermination process. If you’ve got termites, it’s important to treat them before the winter hits.

Termite Myth #4

Termites Are Only Attracted To Wood

Homes without wood decks and trees are still susceptible to termite infestations. Termites are attracted to wood, but can also survive underground and will often reach houses by burrowing through the soil. The ground surrounding your home is your first line of defense against termites; a professional can pre-treat it to keep termites away.

Termite Myth #5

Termites Can Be Treated With DIY Solutions

You can try to get rid of termites on your own, but the chances of success are slim to none. Do-it-yourself options may seem affordable and appealing. Unfortunately, they rarely correct the problem and usually result higher extermination costs and more damage. Even with the right materials, it’s hard to treat every area infected with termites without professional assistance.

Termite Myth #6

Termite Treatments Are Expensive

Structural damage that threatens the integrity and resale value of your home is expensive; termite treatments are not. Foundation Pest Control offers a variety of treatment options, the most affordable of which is prevention through proper pest management.

Don’t put your home or family at risk. Get in touch with Foundation Pest Control to discuss your termite treatment options. We’ll help you find the most economical and effective solution for your situation.

Treat Termites In Winter?

Is Treating Termites In The Winter Needed?

Why experts advise cold-weather treatments for these pesky home invaders.

A termite infestation can be devastating to a homeowner. Each year, termites cost U.S. homeowners an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year, impacting more than 600,000 homes. And when you have a termite infestation, just getting it under control can be a long, tedious and expensive process.

That said, keep in mind that, unlike other common pests, termites don’t rest when winter rolls around. Subterranean termites are especially dangerous as they eat 24/7 and thrive underground -- i.e. your home’s foundation. . Termites don’t hibernate, but they do prefer warmth, which is why they tunnel deeper and cause more damage when it’s cold outdoors.

Winter is the most important season for termite control. If you already have termites, it’s imperative you have been them exterminated as soon as possible. If not, then this is an excellent time to fortify your home and prevent future infestations. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with termites and their heightened winter risk.

Termites Are Active In Winter, Too

Termites are more visible in the spring and summer because they leave their tunnels in search of new areas to settle. During this time, homeowners may find old wings, dropping known as frass, mud tubes and other signs of an infestation. Termites are harder to spot in the winter, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Again, termites are equally active during the cold months, and actually tunnel deeper and cause more structural damage during this time.

Prevent Infestations With Winter Treatments

Trees, wood decks, wood within one inch of ground level (your home’s foundation, for example), leaf piles and other fibrous materials attract termites. While they prefer to live in wood, they’ll also live underground and burrow through the soil to find new areas to colonize. As the ground cools, termites race to find a new place to live -- and your home’s foundation is one of the most attractive options. It’s warm, plus there’s food and moisture; everything termites need to thrive.

By treating for termites during the winter, you can deter this pest from nearing your home and causing severe damage while you’re warm and cozy upstairs.

What To Expect From Winter Termite Treatment

Winter is around the corner, and termites are on the move. Know that you’ve armed yourself with knowledge, make an informed decision and schedule a termite inspection with Foundation Pest Control. We offer termite treatment in Memphis, Germantown, Cordova, Collierville and the surrounding areas. Get in touch to learn more.