The availability of wooded landscapes and damp conditions in Longview, WA creates an ideal environment for termites. That is why residents must understand where such destructive pests come from to prevent extensive infestations.
The majority of termites come from nearby houses, underground colonies, and tree stumps. They enter homes to find food, mainly wood and cellulose-based materials. The frequent rainfall and humidity of the Pacific Northwest increase the vulnerability of wooden structures to termites. Knowing how and where these silent destroyers come from is the first step to preventing them from entering your home. Also, this knowledge helps you determine when it’s time to contact Pointe Pest Control professionals.
Common Sources of Termites
Termites come from certain environments that offer the perfect survival conditions. The damp weather and wooden landscape in Longview offer termites many opportunities to thrive. Below are the common sources of termites:
- Underground colonies and soil tunnels. Longview is home to subterranean termites, which construct huge colonies beneath the soil. Such colonies can have thousands or even millions of termites that work together to forage for food. These pests build mud tubes that connect their nests to above-ground food sources. Typically, these tunnels are found along foundations, exterior walls, and crawl spaces, letting termites travel without detection. When these pests reach a wooden structure, they burrow inside, usually causing serious damage before signs show up.
- Tree stumps, wood piles, and decaying logs. Firewood stacks, old tree stumps, or rotting logs are ideal nesting places for termites. A lot of homeowners may unintentionally invite termites onto their property by leaving decaying wood in the yard or storing firewood near the house. As termites thrive in damp environments, untreated wooden material left outside can become an entry point. From here, the pests can migrate toward the structure of a house, looking for more stable food sources they can easily access.
- Moisture-damaged structures. Houses that have leaks, high humidity levels, and poor drainage offer perfect conditions for termites. Such creatures are drawn to moist wood, which they can chew and digest easily. Plumbing problems, roof leaks, and improper ventilation can result in damp wood inside walls, basements, and floors. Eventually, the moisture compromises the structure and makes it susceptible to termite infestations.
- Neighboring termite problems. If a building or home nearby has a termite issue, the infestation can spread. These destructive creatures do not recognize property lines. Once they have established a colony in an area, they can send out swarmers to begin new colonies. Termites’ swarming season is often in the spring and summer. During this season, winged termites leave their nests to find a new spot.
- Uninspected wooden materials. Untreated wood can introduce termites when brought into your house, whether for firewood, construction, or furniture. An infestation can start when you unknowingly bring lumber or wood products infested with termites. Without proper inspections, these pests can establish themselves indoors, slowly expanding their reach and causing damage to structures.
Preventing Termite Infestations
To ensure your Longview home remains free of termites, below are some steps you can take:
- Store wood and debris away from your house. Firewood should be stored at least twenty feet away from your house and elevated off the ground. Dead tree stumps, old lumber, and fallen branches must be removed from your yard to avoid attracting termites. Also, make sure not to use untreated wood for mulch or outdoor structures near your home’s foundation.
- Minimize excess moisture around the house. This can be done by fixing leaking pipes, foundation cracks, and roof damage. Also, proper drainage allows water to be directed away from the foundation of your home. Proper ventilation and dehumidifiers in basements, attics, and crawl spaces can reduce moisture levels around your home.
- Seal entry points. Termites can enter your home through tiny holes, so seal gaps around doors and windows and cracks in walls. Repair damaged siding and ensure wooden structures don’t touch the ground.
