What Makes My Home Attractive to Termites?

What makes my home attractive to termites in Springfield VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's 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!

Talkin’ Termites: Brush Up On Termites 101 for Termite Awareness Week

Termite Awareness Week 2021 in Springfield VA - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor's[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!

6 Signs You May Have Termites

Mud tubes are a common sign of termites in Virginia - Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor'sThe key to preventing a termite infestation is knowing how to recognize termite activity. By knowing the signs of termites, you can help stop a small termite problem from turning into a full-blown infestation. Because termites work within the very structure of a property, it is rare to see the pests themselves. However, there are a few signs of their activity to always watch for. With termite season revving up here in Virginia, the team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s is here to share the most common signs you may have termites.

Most Common Signs of Termites

1. Mud tubes

Made from and used by subterranean termites, mud tubes are pencil-sized tunnels through which termites travel. True to their name, subterranean termites nest underground. In order to leave the nest and forage for food, they will build mud tubs out of their feces. This protects the termites from outdoor elements as it blocks out cool, dry air. Seeing mud tubes along the outside of your property is likely the number one sign of termites.

2. Drywood Termite Droppings

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites nest within wood. As they tunnel through dry wood as well as when they swarm, drywood termites create kick-out holes in the wood. This is when their droppings, also known as frass, can be found. Termite frass most closely resembles sawdust or coffee grounds, and can appear in piles. Seeing this sign of termites makes it important to call a professional for closer inspection.

3. Swarming termites

In the springtime, reproductive termites will leave their colony to mate and form new ones. Swarming happens when a mature termite colony releases a number of swarmers from their existing nest. Reproductive termites, also known as alates or swarmers, can often be mistaken for other flying insects, especially carpenter ants. Seeing winged termites in the spring months is a sign of termites spreading.

4. Piles of Termite Wings

After alates swarm and land in their new location, they will literally twist their wings off to discard them. This is because after flight, they will no longer need to fly. Termite wings are all the same size and translucent in color. These wings can often be seen in piles, which is indicative of termites forming their new colony nearby.

5. Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows

Termite activity can result in damage to your property. One of the most common signs of termite infestations is noticing your windows and doors are sticking or appear more tight-fitting than usual. Subterranean termites output a lot of moisture with their eating and tunneling habits. When they target door or window frames, the wood there will warp and make them more difficult to open.

6. Damaged wood

Termites are infamous for damaging wood. This can appear in several ways. Typically, termite damage can cause unexplained cracks on walls, beams, and rafters. It can cause sagging wood in your floors, as well as hollow-sounding wood. Sometimes wood damage can lead to weakened baseboards and floorboards. In general, wood damage of any kind can be a major sign of a termite problem.

You’ve Seen the Signs You May Have Termites—Now What?

As soon as you spot any of the above signs of termites, it’s time to call your termite exterminators at Ehrlich. Termites can frequently be mistaken for other insects, which is why it’s so important to get the expert eye of a termite exterminator. To learn about our termite inspections, contact us today.