Are Brick Homes Prone to Termites?

There is a common misconception that termites only infest wood homes. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Termites are drawn to cellulose, the compound found within not just wood but other materials as well. This makes brick homes or houses made of stone and other materials vulnerable to termite infestations.

This Termite Awareness Week, the experts at Pest Defense Solutions are here to share all you need to know about what may be attracting termites to your Albuquerque home. Keep reading to learn more!

What Attracts Termites to My Home?

Termites will infest a brick home just as quickly as a wood home in the right conditions. But what are the right conditions for termite problems? The following things are the biggest factors that contribute to the likelihood of a termite infestation here in Santa Fe.

1. Cellulose. Termites may be infamous for infesting wood, but they’re actually after the cellulose contained within! This cellulose is a main component that can be found in wallpaper, plants, mulch, drywall, and more.
2. Moisture. Leaky pipes, broken sprinklers, or clogged gutters can all lead to moisture problems in your home. In turn, this could attract subterranean termites (not to mention hoards of other pests) inside.
3. Access to soil. Subterranean termites need contact with soil to live. Any wood items, whether it’s your home, porch, or firewood in the yard, in contact with soil is at risk for a termite problem.
4. Warmth. Termite problems are generally more common in warmer, humid parts of the world. This puts our southwestern state at a higher risk of termite activity year-round.
5. Decaying wood. If you have logs, trees, or stumps that are rotten or in decay, you can be sure termites will seek them out.
6. Landscape. Termites can infest mulch, making it important to keep it away from the perimeter of your home. Also trim back tree branches that may be too close to your property.

Termites in Brick Homes & Wood Homes

Regardless of what type of home you live in, the best way to know if you are protected against termites is to work with a professional termite exterminator. A thorough home inspection will pinpoint anything in or around your property that could put you at risk for termites in the future. Contact the termite control experts at Pest Defense Solutions today to get started!