Understanding where termites come from is critical to keep them out of your home. Termites are commonly associated with decaying timber. However, it is all they consume! The most common type of termite is found on the earth, where they dwell, build massive colonies, and serve their termite queen. So, where do termites live?
Termite behavior differs depending on species and geographical and regional location. Knowing where these termites live on and around your property will help you keep attentive and prevent more harm if an infestation exists.
How Termites Can Get Into Your House?
Termites frequently get into houses and other structures whenever there is wood-to-ground contact. It might also be deck posts, window and door frames, and more. Some termite species, like the subterranean termite, for instance, can get inside a house through the foundation.
Termites’ Habitat According to Type
Various types of termites prefer different areas, and it is important to know and check all of them. Read on to find out where to look for different types of termites.
Drywood Termites
Any habitat made of dry wood is suitable for drywood termites to live in. This enables them to find shelter in structures like homes. Pests can enter homes on furniture and dried firewood. Additionally, they inhabit trees that are close to gaps and fractures in the exteriors of houses. As these termites reside deeply within wooden structures, home invasions are frequently difficult to detect.
Dampwood Termites
In order to build their nests, dampwood termites look for wood that has been affected by dampness and moist soil. These types of pests are attracted inside by leaky gutters, faucets, and humidity in basements and kitchens. Dampwood termites use these openings to enter houses when they are provided with ground-level access points.
Subterranean Termites
Access to damp surroundings is necessary for subterranean termites as well. They share the same habitats as dampwood termites and seek those out. The primary distinction is that they are renowned for creating mud tubes to access food sources.
Where Do Termites Live Inside the House?
Inside the house, termites can be found in different kinds of places. Here are the most common one you need to look at if you suspect termite infestation.
Termites in Walls
Your walls may sustain damage if subterranean or drywood termites gain entry to your house. One indication that you have a termite problem is the presence of mud tubes on or near your walls, which are made by subterranean termites.
Another indication of termites in walls is:
- Paint bubbles
- Damaged wood trim or paneling
- Wood that sounds hollow and holes
Since termites consume the majority of cellulose-containing materials, including the paper facings on most drywall, your home’s walls and ceilings may suffer damage from an infestation.
Termites in Furniture
Almost any wooden component of your house, including built-in cabinets, door and window frames, baseboards, exposed beams, and wood paneling, is susceptible to drywood termite infestation. This is especially true with antique furniture.
Droppings, or frass, are one of the most blatant indications of a drywood termite infestation. These are tiny, hexagonal pellets made of wood that termites use as a means of disposal when they build up. You might notice droppings on or under furniture, inside drawers, or on horizontal surfaces if drywood termites are present.
Termites in Bathrooms
You might be surprised to learn that termites like the warmth and humidity of the typical bathroom. Actually, a possible termite infestation can thrive in any location of your home that offers wood, warmth, and moisture.
In most bathrooms, the inside framing of the walls and ceilings is built of wood. Daily bathing and showering might provide termites with a moisture source. Termites can be detected in the bathroom behind walls, but they can also be hidden, for example, beneath tile and bathtubs.
Get termite control help with McCauley Pest Control
Termite problems are both scary and costly. But with McCauley Pest Control, you can say goodbye to these pests and their colonies. We have been dedicated to providing top-notch pest control services since 1983. You can rely on us to handle your pest problems at home with the utmost care because your property’s well-being matters most to us. Call us at (925) 634-1255 to learn more about our services, or message us.