One of the biggest risks to your home is termites. Most homeowners take steps to protect their homes from subterranean termites, which invade from the soil. However, termites can also attack the upper parts of your home, such as your roof or attic.
Your pest control efforts should also include your attic. There are several reasons why your attic may not be safe from termite infestations.
1. Drywood termites attack from the air
Even if you have an effective termite barrier around your home, that barrier won't affect drywood termites. A drywood termite king and queen can establish a new colony in your attic by entering a crack in a wooden component. Over time, as the nest grows, the damage to your attic will worsen. Drywood termites don't need moisture to survive, so even a bone-dry attic is at risk.
2. Formosan termites can build above-ground nests
Formosan termites are a menace to some parts of the US. These termites are so destructive because they don't need to build their colonies within the soil. If Formosan termites can access your roof via a tree branch, for instance, they can establish a colony in your roof as long as a supply of moisture exists nearby. That moisture could be in the form of a clogged gutter or leaky pipe.
3. Subterranean termites can build secondary colonies
Although the main colonies of subterranean termites are always in the soil, subterranean termites can build secondary colonies within structures. Because subterranean termites travel using mud tubes, you may not see them as they work their way up toward your attic. As long as they have a source of moist wood, subterranean termites can infest your attic.
4. A leaky roof can provide ideal conditions for termites
Roofs protect homes from rain. But if you don't maintain your roof, a leak could occur. And even a small leak is enough to provide termites with a steady supply of moisture and moist wood. And you may not notice a termite infestation in your attic until considerable damage has already occurred.
5. Attics have an abundant supply of wood
Attics have an abundant supply of wood that termites can survive on for years without detection. Attics are often humid and warm, which creates the ideal environment for termites to thrive in.
If you think that termites may have invaded your attic, then call a pest control professional as soon as possible. The longer you leave the problem, the more damage the termites will do to your roof, attic, and ceiling.
For more information on termites, contact a company near you.