Termagon Termite & Pest Control Blog
Termites are tiny, ant-sized insects that survive on the cellulose they receive by eating wood. And they don’t care very much whether that wood comes from a fallen tree in a forest or the beams holding up your house. This is no small matter either, as the costs of termite damage in America amounts to around a million dollars per year. You might be thinking to yourself, “but my home has insulation, so that protects against termites, doesn’t it?” Not quite. Here are some things you should know about insulation’s effects on termites and what you can do to keep termites out of your house.
Fiberglass Insulation
First, let’s discuss fiberglass insulation. That’s the fuzzy pink stuff that comes in rolls and makes you itch if you’re not careful with it. If you’re wondering whether or not fiberglass insulation does anything to slow termites down, it doesn’t. Even though termites don’t eat the material used in the insulation, they can still easily tunnel through it. In fact, they will destroy the fiberglass insulation in the process, erasing its benefits.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation has become increasingly popular in construction since the 1980s. Because it is denser and more firm than fiberglass, many think it will provide better protection against termites. This is, however, incorrect. In fact, because spray foam insulation is more dense, it is actually easier for termites to burrow through it as its firmness gives them a foothold as they work.
Termite Prevention
So we know that insulation protects against the cold, not termites, but what does protect against termites? For one, moisture control. Moisture control in a house is critical when defending against termites, as even a few particles of water are enough to hydrate an entire colony, so reduce moisture by running a dehumidifier, fixing leaking faucets, and cleaning your gutters so that they divert rainwater away from your house. Also, keep bare wood away from your house by stacking firewood at least 20 feet away and making sure any wooden foundations are about 18 inches above your soil. Lastly, the best form of protection is detection, so tap your walls to see if any parts of them sound hollow and consider having your house professionally inspected around once a year.
Termites are ruthless creatures and they will reduce your house to splinters of you allow them to. Fortunately, with a little effort, you don’t have to. For more information, or to receive quality pest control services, contact Termagon today.
