Skip to Content
Serving Customers in Kansas & Missouri
913-398-3575
Augustine Exterminators, Inc. Augustine Exterminators, Inc.
Top

What Brings Termites into Your Home?

Serving Families Throughout Kansas City Metro Area
Wood after attack of termite.
|

Termites are a homeowner's nightmare, capable of causing extensive damage to the structure of your home. Understanding what attracts termites can help you take preventative measures to protect your property.

Here, we explore the key factors that bring termites into your home and how to deter them.

1. Moisture

Termites thrive in moist environments. Moisture is essential for their survival, as it helps them maintain their body hydration and build their colonies. Several sources of moisture can attract termites to your home:

  • Leaky Pipes and Faucets: Persistent leaks under sinks, around toilets, or in the basement can create a humid environment perfect for termites.
  • Poor Drainage: Ineffective drainage systems around your home can cause water to pool near the foundation, providing a water source for termites.
  • Clogged Gutters: When gutters are clogged, water overflows and runs down the exterior walls of your home, increasing the moisture level in the soil around the foundation.

2. Wood and Cellulose Materials

Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and other plant materials. The presence of wood and cellulose-rich materials near or inside your home can attract termites:

  • Firewood and Mulch: Storing firewood against the side of your house or using mulch in your garden beds can provide a convenient food source for termites.
  • Wooden Structures: Decks, fences, and even wooden siding can attract termites, especially if they are in direct contact with the soil.
  • Old Tree Stumps: Decaying tree stumps and roots in your yard can harbor termite colonies, which can then spread to your home.

3. Cracks and Openings

Termites are small and can easily find their way into your home through tiny cracks and openings. Common entry points include:

  • Foundation Cracks: Even the smallest cracks in your foundation can be an entryway for termites.
  • Gaps around Utility Lines: Spaces around pipes, wires, and other utility lines that enter your home can serve as termite highways.
  • Damaged or Improperly Sealed Windows and Doors: Termites can access your home through gaps and cracks around windows and doors.

4. Landscaping and Yard Conditions

Your landscaping choices and yard conditions can inadvertently create a welcoming environment for termites:

  • Proximity of Vegetation: Plants, bushes, and trees planted too close to your home can provide pathways for termites to enter.
  • Wooden Mulch: While it is excellent for retaining soil moisture and improving plant health, it can also attract termites.
  • Excessive Soil-to-Wood Contact: Direct contact between soil and wooden structures like decks or fences provides an easy route for termites to infest your home.

5. Warm Temperatures

Termites are more active in warmer climates and during the spring and summer months. They are drawn to environments with relatively stable and warm temperatures, making certain regions and seasons more prone to infestations.

Call Us for Quality Termite Control Services in Kansas City, KS

Understanding what attracts termites to your home is the first step in preventing an infestation. By addressing sources of moisture, reducing wood-to-soil contact, sealing entry points, and maintaining your yard, you can significantly lower the risk of termites invading your home. 

Reach out to Augustine Exterminators, Inc. today at (913) 398-3575 to learn more.