Yes, houses that are not made out of wood can be infested with termites. There is a common misconception that termites only infest wood. Unfortunately, this is not the case.ย
Termites are after the cellulose contained within not just wood, but other materials as well. This puts even brick homes at risk of a termite infestation โ while it may be more difficult to get inside a non-wood home, they can infest a variety of items inside or outside your property.
In St. Louis, eastern subterranean termites are the most common menace.
The experts at Bug Out are here to share all you need to know about what may attract termites to your St. Louis home.
Are Termites Seasonal Pests?
Not exactly. Termites are active all year round, but will swarm in the warmer seasons. Most termite species are active during the spring and summer months when temperatures rise and humidity increases. During this time, you might notice termite swarms, winged alates looking to establish new colonies.
Outside of swarming season, termites remain active within their colonies, silently feeding and causing structural damage year-round. Because of their discreet nature, you can go months (or even years) without realizing your home is under attack.ย
Thatโs why having a seasonal termite control plan is so important. A trusted pest control company, like us at Bug Out, can identify termite activity no matter the season and make sure your home stays protected all year long.
Do Termites Infest Brick Homes?
Yes, even a home built out of brick is susceptible to termite infestations. This is because there could be other risk factors at play. Wood stored near your home, moisture issues, wooden decks, and more could all put you at risk for a termite problem. 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.
Termite Infestation Risks Around Your Home
Termites are opportunistic and, with the right conditions, can become active in a number of different environments. The three things they are most drawn to include:
- Moisture problems. Subterranean termites in particular are attracted to moisture, especially in soil. Standing water or excess moisture will invite termites to take up residence in your home. Always fix leaks, broken sprinkler systems, downspouts, and clogged gutters to make sure you are protected from moisture problems.
- Cracked foundations. Termites will take advantage of structural vulnerabilities, no matter whether your home is wooden or brick. A crack in the structure of your property allows for termites to easily build mud tubes upon it. Frequently inspect your home for cracks and make repairs as needed. Look for other issues that could contribute not just to termite problems, but all sorts of pest problems!
- Wood in contact with the soil. Even homes that arenโt made of wood can have siding, decks, porches, fences, posts, and more that contain wood. Any wood that comes into contact with your homeโs exterior is at risk for termites. For this reason, avoid storing firewood on the ground near your property. Remove decaying logs or stumps, and avoid mulch. Trim back trees to avoid branches coming into contact with your home.
DIY vs. Professional Termite Control
Taking on termites by yourself might seem like a cost-effective solution. But over-the-counter treatments typically only handle surface-level issues, leaving deeper parts of the colony untouched.ย
On the other hand, professional pest control provides a targeted, long-lasting solution with termite-specific tools and expertise. Termites will continue to silently damage your home, often costing you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road without effective extermination efforts.
At Bug Out, our licensed technicians use advanced detection tools and effective treatments designed to eliminate termites at the source. Plus, weโll implement preventative barriers so termites wonโt return.
Keep Termites Away With Expert Pest Control
No matter what type of home you own, itโs best to team up withย your local termite exterminators for year-round protection. A termite control expert such as Bug Out can thoroughly inspect your property and pinpoint anything that may be worrisome for termite problems.
