Insulating Around Windows And Doors Where Termites Exist

Termites feed on cellulose an essential component of wood.

Insulating around windows and doors where termites exist.

Carpenter ants enter structures through cracks and crevices around windows and in foundation walls through heating or air conditioning ducts where tree branches or utility lines contact a structure and through ventilation openings in the attic. Termites can tunnel through the walls. Subterranean termites will search out food sources that exist above ground in addition to their more readily available food supplies. Though the collection of dirt and debris around doors and windows is a common occurrence the consistent buildup of these materials is typically a sign of a pest problem.

The effects termites can have on your home s insulation when we talk about termite damage we usually talk about damage to the wood in your home. Some ants such as fire ants solenopsis invicta and big headed ants pheidole megacephala will often bring dirt into homes in an attempt to nest in the walls of the structure. Experiencing a termite swarm is the 1 sign that your property has a termite problem. This could be a window door vent or small crack.

Swarming termites are attracted to light and are often found near windows doors vents and light fixtures. Decks patios porches tree stumps sheds and garages are also termite hotspots. They nest in wood that is moist or has been previously damaged by water or termites. Serious infestations that are left unchecked can result in even more dramatic damage.

In the late 1800s primitive insulation could be comprised of a number of mundane materials such as newspaper wood shavings corncobs and even seaweed. Most dampwood and drywood termites live inside the woods they eat while subterranean termites mostly live in the ground and venture to and from the wood they consume back to their underground colony. Termites aren t limited to wooden delicacies inside your home either. A friend reopened sealed pocket doors on the top floor of his 1900 triple decker in boston recently and from inside the walls along with the pocket doors came shredded paper.

This means that a colony of termites might be calling your house home. Occasionally you may find signs of termite infestations in easier to reach places such as attics door frames wooden furniture door frames and window frames. Joists can be weakened and you can experience damage like sagging floors shifted window and door frames peeling paint and more. When a colony has matured winged swarming termites can be seen around windows and doors.

But we rarely talk about how. Termites dead or alive. Winged termites are highly attracted to sources of light and are most active in springtime. The three common types of home invading termites dampwood drywood and subterranean are drawn to homes for different reasons.

Another sign to look for is difficulty with windows and doors sticking or bubbling paint. Any wood that comes into contact with your home s exterior may create an opportunity for termites to infiltrate your home s interior.