There is a common misconception that termites only infest wood homes. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Termites are drawn to cellulose, the compound found within not just wood but other materials as well. This makes brick homes or houses made of stone and other materials vulnerable to termite infestations.

With termites in full force this time of year in Virginia, now is the time to learn how to keep termites away from your home. Keep reading to learn what makes your home attractive to termites with Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s.

What Are Termites Attracted To?

Termites will infest a brick home just as quickly as a wood home in the right conditions. But what are the right conditions for termite problems? The following things are the biggest factors that contribute to the likelihood of a termite infestation:

1. Cellulose. Termites may be infamous for infesting wood, but they’re actually after the cellulose contained within! This cellulose is a main component that can be found in wallpaper, plants, mulch, drywall, and more.
2. Moisture. Leaky pipes, broken sprinklers, or clogged gutters can all lead to moisture problems in your home. In turn, this could attract subterranean termites (not to mention hoards of other pests) inside.
3. Access to soil. Subterranean termites need contact with soil to live. Any wood items, whether it’s your home, porch, or firewood in the yard, in contact with soil is at risk for a termite problem.
4. Warmth. Termite problems are generally more common in warmer, humid parts of the world. This puts our southwestern state at a higher risk of termite activity year-round.
5. Decaying wood. If you have logs, trees, or stumps that are rotten or in decay, you can be sure termites will seek them out.
6. Landscape. Termites can infest mulch, making it important to keep it away from the perimeter of your home. Also trim back tree branches that may be too close to your property.

How to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Termites

No matter what type of home you live in, the best way to know if you are protected against termites is to work with a professional termite exterminator. A thorough home inspection will pinpoint anything in or around your property that could put you at risk for termites in the future. Contact the termite control experts at Ehrlich today to get started!

[2021 UPDATE]

Termites are a year-round pest problem here in Virginia. However, Termite Awareness Week is every year in the springtime to help homeowners get ready for the termite-ridden months ahead. At Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s, we know that termites are anyone’s worst nightmare. That said, it’s crucial to learn everything you need to know about these dangerous pests in order to prevent an infestation! Our experts are here to share everything you need to know about termites—keep reading to learn more!

Termites 101

With an insatiable hunger for soft wood, termites cause an incredible $5 billion in damages to more than 5 million U.S. homes each year. The U.S. Department of Forestry reports that Virginia is heavily infested with subterranean termites – one of two types of termites that cause uniquely significant damage. These silent destroyers infest homes, preying on the wood, and wallets, of unsuspecting homeowners. Their clandestine tactics make prevention and precaution the best defense against termites.

Signs of Termite Problems

Termites don’t always make their presence known, but with a keen eye, you should be able to uncover evidence that they’ve taken up residence in your home. Common signs of termite damage include:

• Mud tubes—which provide shelter for termites—are seen extending from the ground to infested wood. They are sometimes hidden behind baseboards and siding.
• Winged swarmer termites’ shed wings are usually found along the edges of floors or on windowsills.
• Termites feast on soft wood below the surface, which leaves the exterior wood intact. Tapping on damaged wood will reveal it to be hollow.
• Mud-lined wood, and dark spots or blistering, are other tell-tale signs of a termite infestation.

Dangers of Termites

A common misconception is that vinyl- or metal-sided homes and brick homes are safe from termites. Houses, regardless of the outer material, usually have wooden frames, making them termite-prone. Further, infestations of nearby wooden sheds or garages can quickly spread to nearby structures.

Subterranean termites are known for their heightened survival instincts and advanced communication system. If disturbed, the colony will stealthily relocate to other areas in the building, continuing to cause damage, while your extermination techniques turn ineffective. The best practice is to leave the infestation to the pest control experts.

How to Keep Termites Away

As the snow thaws and the temperatures rise, our thoughts turn to fresh starts and spring cleaning. Did you know that by doing some tidying around the house and in the yard, you’ll be helping to ward off a termite infestation? Keeping your yard clear of wood and debris and your foundation moisture-free are great prevention methods and offer benefits beyond protection from termites. We’d also recommend using hardwood mulch instead of the soft mulch that termites love. Regular monitoring and inspection are the best methods for preventing termite problems. Our technicians use the most-advanced technology in their fight against termites—both as preventive measures and extermination tools.

If your house shows signs of termite damage, or you want to ensure that you’ll remain a few steps ahead of a termite visit, contact the termite control pros at Ehrlich today!