5 Causes of Termites in Anaheim, CA
Termites are every homeowner's worst nightmare. These tiny pests can wreak havoc on your property and cause extensive damage if not dealt with promptly. If you live in Anaheim, CA, you may be wondering what causes termites and how you can prevent them from infesting your home.
What Causes Termites?
Termites are caused by cracks in woodwork, moisture buildup, previously infested wood, infested soil, or simply a lack of preventative measures. Here in Anaheim, drywood termites are the most common species, making even moisture-free homes more susceptible.
1. Cracks in Woodwork
Cracks in woodwork provide entry points for termites. These tiny creatures are able to wriggle their way through even the tiniest of cracks. Once inside, they continue to move through the wood, damaging it as they go. Regular maintenance and inspections can also help to catch any cracks early before they become a problem.
2. Water Leaks & Moisture Buildup
Termites thrive in damp environments, so when moisture accumulates or water leaks into a building, it creates the perfect conditions for termites to live and breed. As they feed on the wood in the building, the presence of moisture makes it easier for them to digest and break down the wood, which can lead to structural damage over time. Moisture buildup can also be caused by poor ventilation.
3. Infested Wooden Furniture & Materials
Homeowners can unknowingly bring termites into their homes through previously infested wooden furniture or materials. Bringing in termite-infested wood can lead to a termite infestation, but even furniture infested with other insects, such as beetles, can attract termites as well. Termites are attracted to the moisture and the decay that is present when insects like beetles have damaged the wood.
4. Infested Soil Nearby
Termites are attracted to moist environments, and infested soil nearby can create the perfect conditions for them to thrive. As the soil becomes infested, it can weaken the foundation of a building, allowing termites to easily enter and make a home. It's important to identify and address any sources of moisture or infestation in the soil to prevent termite infestations and protect your property.
5. Lack of Preventative Measures
Without regular inspections and treatments, termites can quickly build large colonies and cause extensive damage to property. It's important to take proactive measures to prevent termite infestations, such as sealing cracks and crevices, removing moisture sources, and treating any visible signs of termite activity. If you suspect termite damage, it's important to contact a professional termite exterminator.
What Causes Flying Termites?
Flying termites are caused by warm and humid weather conditions, which trigger the reproductive cycle of the colony and prompt the winged termites to take flight and look for a new place to start a colony. Male and female winged termites (alates) fly out of their colony en masse, in a phenomenon known as a termite swarm, and mate in the air before starting new colonies.
Call the bugman For Termite Control in Anaheim
If you live in Anaheim and suspect you have a termite problem, it's important to call the bugman for termite control. Our Anaheim termite exterminators have extensive experience in identifying and treating termite infestations in the SoCal area. Don't wait until it's too late; call us for a free quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do termites eat plastic?
While they are not known to consume plastic as a primary food source, some termite species may chew or tunnel through plastic materials in search of food or nesting sites if the plastic material is in their way or provides them with access to a more suitable food source. However, plastic is not a preferred or natural food source for termites.
What are termites attracted to?
Termites are attracted to wood and cellulose-based materials, moisture, and darkness.
Where do termites come from?
Termites come from colonies that are typically established in soil or wood, often in close proximity to a food source. Termites can be found in many parts of the world and play essential roles in ecosystems by breaking down wood and plant material. However, they are destructive pests when they infest buildings and wooden structures.