Homeowners often assume that if their home sits on a concrete slab, they don't need to worry about termites. While termites may not be able to eat through concrete, they can still find ways into your home.
There is a myth or just misinformation out there that a concrete slab home shouldn't get termites because it has a cement foundation/floor. This couldn't be further from the truth. Many times we see termites and termite damage on slab homes in Raleigh/Durham during our termite inspections.
When it comes to termites, it doesn't matter if your home or office is built of concrete block or if it is sitting on a concrete slab without wood contacting the ground. Your property is still vulnerable to subterranean termites and once inside, they are difficult to detect until significant damage has been done.
It's a common misconception that only homes with a wooden exterior are at risk for termites . But the truth is that even homes with brick, stone, or vinyl exteriors can be at risk as well. Termites are responsible for billions of dollars of damage in the US each year; they're not to be taken lightly.
Almost every house will get termites eventually. Usually a home starts to show signs of termites after about ten years. If all the houses in a community were built at the same time using the same materials, they may just experience infestations in the same time range. This isn't a single colony hopping door to door.
As long as the problem has been treated and isn't current, it may be worth it to buy the home if you're trying to save money. To get the best price on a termite-damaged home, hone your bargaining skills. The best way to do this is by hiring a professional to conduct a home inspection.
Use termite-resistant building materials whenever possible. Redwood, cedar and juniper are all wood species that are less favorable to termites. Eliminate standing water and chronically moist soil near your home.
Each year termites infest approximately one in twenty homes.
While you cannot get rid of termites permanently from the environment, you can help prevent them from taking root in your home and control any active colonies nearby. Although it may be tempting to try termite control yourself, prevention and treatment is best left to the professionals.
Is Your Property At Risk From Termites? If your neighbor discovers termites on their property, then your home is at immediate risk for termite infestation.
Reduce moisture in and around structures to avoid attracting termites. Repair irrigation or pipe leaks in and around the structure. Keep mulch at least a foot away from structures. Trim vegetation at least 18 inches away from the structure.
Non-Wood Materials
For termite-resistant sheathing and siding, consider aluminum, steel, rigid plastics, gypsum, wood-plastic composites, and fiber cement.
Minimize the likelihood of cracks in the concrete. Install metal mesh or sand/basalt termite barriers around the foundation. Seal around all utilities that go through the slab. Use termite-resistant construction materials.
Slab homes are more likely to experience severe foundation cracks than other foundation types. Damage may come from shifting soil, tree roots, freezing temperatures, or natural disasters. These cracks compromise the home's structural integrity and can lead to other issues, such as water infiltration and mold growth.
Concrete Slabs should be treated with Termidor SC. This job is much easier if the treatment is applied under the slab BEFORE it has been poured. If the slab is already in place, the chemical can be injected through a drill hole, though this may require the help of a professional.
The answer is yes, especially if you live in an area with a high risk of termite activity. Termites can go undetected for years, causing significant damage before they are discovered. Investing in termite protection can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.
Termites are the greatest pest concern, worrying one in four, and 13 percent actually experienced termites in the last 12 months. Nearly one quarter (22 percent) of homeowners had experienced structural damage to their home from a pest problem.
Pest control is part of your responsibility as a homeowner — just like cutting the grass or repairing a leaky faucet. That's why termite damage generally isn't covered by home insurance. It's something you can avoid through normal upkeep.
Termites dislike certain odors that act as repellents to them. Some of the common smells they hate include orange oil, neem oil, garlic, cinnamon, vinegar, mint, and citrus.
Florida Has the Highest Risk of Termite Damage
Researchers at the University of Florida predict that within the next 20 years, half of all homes in southern Florida will be at risk for termite damage.
Termites are most active during the warmer months, typically from spring to fall. Peak termite swarming season usually falls within this active period, particularly in the springtime when temperatures rise.
Alaska is the only U.S. state where termites are not found.
Those little winged, woodboring insects can and do take up residence in any type of construction, even concrete block and brick. No home is 100 percent termite safe.
In the Northern states, where termites are less likely to thrive, older homes have a better chance of surviving. With this being said, while older homes do play a role in termite susceptibility, there is no true correlation between the two in this study.