Where Do Termites Come From?

Termite Habitats and Why They Enter Homes

There are three major types of termites, drywood, dampwood, and subterranean, and the respective species all thrive in different habitats. These environments fulfill their specific food and shelter needs. Unfortunately, termites frequently find sustainable nest sites inside homes.

Certain factors increase the possibility for in-house termite infestations, including high levels of moisture, the availability of wood, and protection from the elements and avoidance of predators.

Homeowners should look out for favorable conditions and signs of activity, as termites can cause extremely costly structural damage. By knowing where to look in the home, individuals are able to avoid costly repairs.

Drywood Termite Habitats

Drywood termites are able to live in any dry wood habitats. This allows them to find shelter in buildings such as homes. The pests can travel into houses on furniture and dry firewood. They also live in trees that are near cracks and voids in home exteriors. As these termites live deep inside wooden structures, home invasions are often hard to spot.

Dampwood Termite Habitats

In contrast, dampwood termites seek out moisture-damaged wood and damp soil in which to nest. Leaking gutters and faucets and humidity in kitchens and basements draw the pests inside. When termites are offered ground-level openings into homes, the pests use these to travel inside.

Subterranean Termite Habitats

Subterranean termites also require damp soil to support their colonies. In fact, Formosan colonies, a subspecies, use mud to create tunnels that lead from their nests to food sources. Subterranean termites are commonly found in yards and houses where soil, moisture, and wood are plentiful. They especially prefer old tree stumps and fallen branches.

Finding Termites in Homes

If homeowners find signs of drywood, dampwood, or subterranean termite damage, they should immediately contact pest control specialists. The experts at Orkin do their best to prevent structural issues and large infestations by assessing the damage already done and coming up with the best plan for limit any further termite problems.

If you need some help to determine whether or not you have activity, call Orkin today for a free termite inspection of your home.