Termite Hotspots in Your Home (Part 1)

There are few parts of your home that termites will not get into. And once they get in, the damage they cause can be massive. While professional termite control is the best way to protect your home, doing your bit with regular inspections of termite hotspots will increase the level of protection and allow for quick action if termites are spotted.

Here are some of the areas where termite are likely to be found and what you can do to prevent them from nesting.

• The Roof: Broken roof tiles allow moisture to collect. This attracts termites and from here they could find their way indoors. Have the roof checked regularly for any signs of dampness. Have any broken or damaged tiles replaced.
• HVAC unit: An air conditioning system creates a moist environment, which termites love. Although there is no wood in the system for them to feed on, if they are able to enter the ducts they can easily make their way to all parts of a home. Have the system cleaned and serviced regularly and ensure that the moisture release is in a place far away from the foundation of the home.
• Attics: Because attics are places that are not frequently visited, it is easy for a termite infestation to go unnoticed until the problem has become a serious one. If there are exposed wooden beams, the termites have found a feast. The damage to the beams could be on the interior and so difficult to spot. To check for damage, press down hard on the wood with your thumb. If the wood feels soft or spongy, there could be termite damage. Call for professional help without delay, as weak beams could affect the integrity of the structure.
• Cardboard boxes: Cardboard boxes filled with loose paper, photos, and junk are a tempting nesting spot for termites with shelter and food both easily found. To prevent them from finding a home, store all items that they could be attracted to in plastic storage boxes with tight lids.
• Living Rooms:The wooden furniture in living rooms makes it a place where termites also want to live. Check under wooden furniture regularly for signs of wood dust or mud that could indicate the presence of termites. Wooden floors are also attractive to termites and since they are at ground level, access is relatively easy. All you can do is keep checking for signs of infestation.
• Skirting Boards: Skirting boards draw termites like honey does ants. Again, since they are also at a lower level, access is easy. Check for damage by pressing down hard with the thumb on the skirting boards. If there is any softness, it could be due to termite damage.

The list of termite hotspots continues in the next blog.