Moisture Problems Can Lead To Termite Damage

a moisture damaged window at a home on south caicos island
|

Most termite problems are linked to the amount of moisture in and around homes. Due to the tropical climate found in the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos, moisture is plentiful; all of the homes found in this area are at risk for termites if not properly protected. Since wood is a termite's food of choice, it is no surprise that they choose to invade our homes. A home built from wood that also has high levels of moisture or humidity is like an invitation for termites to invade.

Unfortunately, our homes provide termites with all the necessities they need to survive: moisture, food, heat, and shelter. When these pests invade homes, they can create a significant problem for homeowners by causing extensive, costly damages to the wood inside homes. The annual cost of these damages worldwide has been estimated at $40 billion. They feed on furniture, floors, ceilings, doors, walls, personal belongings, and structural beams that can weaken the integrity of your home.

Termites feed on cellulose, which can also be found in leaves and cotton, but they prefer trees, furniture, and wooden structures that are rich in moisture. Subterranean termites use soil to make mud tubes in order to get back and forth from their colony to their food supply easily. Water is essential for the survival of termites, and they find this moisture in a variety of places. They will also thrive in unventilated places like attics and crawlspaces, which provide them with warm, humid air during the summer months; this is why the Turks and Caicos Islands are such an excellent breeding ground for termites.

Turks & Caicos Termite Prevention Tips

Don’t let termites take control of your home! Make sure to fix broken water pipes and leaky faucets as soon as possible. Take measures to prevent moisture or standing water around the foundation of your home which can be caused by leaky pipes, spigots, and hoses. Make sure that you keep your gutters and drain pipes are cleaned out on a regular basis to prevent blockage from leaves and other debris.

Here are a few other tips to avoid attracting termites to your home:

  • Make sure lawn sprinklers are not creating areas of standing water.
  • Ventilate attics and crawlspaces.
  • Store items in plastic bins with locking lids.
  • Keep mulch six inches away from your home; areas of mulch should be no deeper than four inches.

Effective Termite Solutions In Turks & Caicos

It is highly advised to take preventative measures against termites before they find their way into your home and begin causing costly damage. The most efficient way to quickly eliminate current termite infestations, as well as prevent future colonies from invading is to contact Parkway Pest Solutions! Our technicians are certified and highly-trained to guarantee results. We offer termite inspections, elimination, and prevention! With the help of Parkway Pest Solutions, you can win the battle against termites! For more information about our termite treatment methods, or to learn about our Turks & Caicos pest control options, contact Parkway Pest Solutions today!