What Attracts Termites to Your Home? 5 Termite Lures to Avoid
In Australia, termites cause over $5 billion dollars a year in structural damage, that is more than all other natural disasters combined. When termites attack a home or building the result is always huge financial loss. To avoid this massive financial loss, it’s essential to be proactive by learning what attracts termites into your home so you can prevent their pending invasion. Prevention is key. Some colonies can have up to three million termites, so you can only imagine just how destructive they are.
So, What Causes Termites?
1. Moisture
Damp soil is an ideal breeding ground for termites so watch out for, and be quick to rectify water leakages of any kind. To prevent moisture being a termite attractant in your home, we recommend fixing any water leaks quickly and ensure all air conditioning units and hot water system drainage pipes are connected to a drain or plumbed away from the dwelling.
2. Broken Downpipes
Broken downpipes or the base not connected to stormwater drains cause water to release against the external wall of a property and creates an environment highly conducive to termites.
3. Wood
As wood is a major food source for termites, storing piles of firewood or timber debris around your home can significantly increase the risk of termites invading your property.
4. Vegetation
Vegetation that is overhanging or too close to the dwelling is conducive to termite attack and may also conceal possible termite entry paths.
Signs of Termites
If you have what attracts termites in your backyard, check these areas for decay. Termite damage is clear through structural property damage of wood, plaster, metal siding and more. The infestation of subterranean termites appears similar to water damage. Watch out for:
- Termite damage can be mistaken for rotten timber
- Leaking water pipes from air conditioning units, hot water systems
- Discoloured water stains on walls
- Swollen floors
- Blistering paintwork
- Soft timber to windows, door frames and skirtings
- Mud leads between timber joins
For more information on how to identify termite infestation, read our blog on the 5 Signs of Termites You Need to Know.
Treating Termites with TermiGold
If you were unsuccessful protecting your home from what attracts termites and have noticed some of the telltale signs of termite infestation, use TermiGold’s DIY termite bait in conjunction with our in-ground termite station kit to effectively treat termites at home. TermiGold offers termite stations which suit a wide range of alternative home sizes, such as:
If you’re not sure what would provide the most effective termite protection for your home, contact TermiGold for expert advice. You can also send us pictures of your suspected termite damage, and we’ll tell you the best course of action to undertake.