From Plat to Place
The Step By Step Home Construction Site
Step 33 - Pest Chemical Treatment
Why the Soil Level Should Never Touch the Wood Portion of Your Home
Termites are a big problem to most home owners. They are also called white ants especially in places such as Australia. These insects can give you tons of problems because they eat wood. Termites make the wood weak as they eat it. Thus, a wooden house is prone to damages with termites around. In fact, the termites are responsible for residential property damages worth 3 billion dollars worldwide.
Termites Love Soil
The soil is rich in moisture that the termites love. In fact, the termites need moisture to keep themselves from drying. They will die once they dry out. If you observe termites, you will notice that they keep themselves away from open air for a long period of time.
Unfortunately, you cannot avoid having the soil or ground getting damped because moisture is a natural element in these environments. Rain and water beneath the ground as well as changes in the temperature can create moisture. While you cannot avoid having ground and soli getting damped and moist, you can ensure that the damp surfaces like ground or soil should never touch the wooden part of your house because such surfaces attract termites. They create a termite highway to the destruction of your home. On the other hand, there are some places where you will not find termites. While the termites love moisture, they cannot withstand extreme cold weather so it is unlikely to find termites in Antarctic region.
Termites Live in Soil
Termites, even the ones that are of dry-wood type, live beneath the ground. This is the main reason why the wood portion of your house should never touch the soil. The termites build their nests under the ground. Sometimes, they build mounds for habitat. With the termites living below the ground surface, it will be much easier for them to get to your house. They can easily surface above the ground and penetrate to wooden surfaces.
Woods Are Gorgeous
If you really hate termites, wood is not an ideal material for you house. However, you cannot deny the fact that wood has an appealing value and gives warmth to any room. One solution is to keep the wooden part of your house away from soil. The termites burrow through soil and having a part of your home especially the one that is vulnerable to termites in contact with soil is a big problem. If you will be using wood for your house, it is ideal to have it at least six inches away from the soil. In case, you cannot avoid having a wooden part of your house come in contact with the soil, do not hesitate to spend extra bucks for termite-resistant woods. You may also use anti-termite treatments.
Termites Are Somewhat Important
You may find termites as annoying and irritating insects. However, they play an important role in decomposing process. They help in breaking down dead bodies as well as logs and planks. Thus, the termites help in converting nutrients.
Other Things That Should Not Touch Wood
Aside from soil, you should also watch out for trees, shrubs and other woody items. They can be a way for termites to come into your house. You should have a professional termite inspecting company visit your wooden home once a year.
Get Rid of Termites
If you're too late in preventing termites from going to the wooden part of your house, there are still ways to treat and remove them. There are companies that offer termite inspection and treatments.
Once the termites are removed, make sure that you do some precautions and have the wooden part of your house away from soil. Have the wooden positions at least 6 inches away from the soil or ground. You should also treat woods with anti-termite solutions if you are in termite-prone zones. You will surely have fewer termites-related problems in the future.