What attracts termites to commercial properties?

Traditionally, termites are viewed as an issue reserved solely for residential homeowners. While it’s true that termites cause damage to approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year¹ – your business could be at risk of a termite infestation as well. It’s important to assess your termite risks by identifying conditions that may be attracting termites to your business.

5 favorable conditions for termites

Reducing termite infestations requires preventative measures and regular inspections for termite activity. Review the list of favorable conditions below to see if any of these conditions apply to your business.

Moisture

Subterranean termites thrive in areas with high moisture levels. If your business has outdoor lawn sprinklers, the perimeter of your building will likely get wet. When water from the sprinklers comes directly into contact with the walls of your building, it can cause direct damage to the structure and provide the moisture termites need to survive. Additionally, this can also contribute to wood-decay fungi development.

Landscaping

Many commercial buildings have extensive landscaping, such as bushes, turf, and wood mulch that come in contact with the property’s exterior. Unfortunately, these materials provide the ideal meal for termites and will give them a direct access point from which they can easily invade the structure. Tree limbs in proximity to or those that hang over the building, as well as tree stumps and firewood piles near the structure, could attract termites foraging for food.

Insulation

Foam insulation is an energy-conserving addition to a building structure. Although termites do not eat foam board insulation, if the foam board comes in direct contact with soil or is installed below the grade, termites may tunnel through it and enter the structure. Foam insulation boards can also retain moisture, which termites need to survive and thrive, as mentioned previously.

Cracks in concrete

Over time, cracks in concrete can form due to the building foundation expanding and settling. Although they may be visibly small, cracks in slabs of concrete can make your structure vulnerable to an infestation. Termites only need 1/32 of an inch to get through the slab and into the building.

Earth-to-wood-contact

In areas where siding, brick, wood, stucco, or vinyl is installed below grade level or in direct contact with soil, termites can build mud tubes in between the structure’s siding and foundation. This gives termites easy access to food, moisture, and shelter while allowing them to enter the building. Although it may be aesthetically appealing, this makes termite entry virtually impossible to spot.

Signs of a termite infestation

Termites can be active for years before the damage becomes visible. Spotting the early signs of a termite infestation could save your business thousands of dollars. Look out for these indicators in or around your company’s property:

• Swarmer termites: These winged termites emerge from nests in large groups. After a brief flight, they land, shed their wings, and look for a mate.
• Shed wings: The wings that are left behind by swarmer termites may be the first and only visible sign of a termite problem.
• Blistering wood: Blisters or bubbles in wood can be a sign of termite activity. This wood may sound hollow or rotted when stepped or knocked on.
• Droppings: Wood-colored drywood termite droppings may be confused with sawdust to the untrained eye.
• Mud tubes: Mud tubes are a common sign of subterranean termite activity. They are used to travel between the soil and a food source. They are attached to structures, typically near the foundation.

Although spotting the signs of termites can be quite difficult, knowing the common signs to look for can help protect your commercial property from these extremely destructive wood-eating insects. From food processing to healthcare, no commercial business sector is excluded from the risk of a termite invasion. 

Termite control for commercial businesses 

Rentokil offers preventive and corrective bait and liquid treatments based on termite species, property conditions, and activity levels. We also offer comprehensive warranties and periodic termite inspections. Our Technicians understand the gravity of a termite problem for your business and are standing by with the industry's most innovative technology and equipment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect your business.

¹Information on termite damage to homes in the U.S. (approximately 600,000 annually) is sourced from the United States Department of Agriculture(USDA)