Can Termites Also Be A Problem In New Homes?

Some homeowners might think that termites are only a problem in older homes. This misconception is rooted in the belief that termite infestations primarily occur in older houses due to the assumption that these pests need time to establish colonies and cause significant damage.

However, termites can be a threat to homes of any age, including those that are new. So if you think that your newly built house is immune to termite infestations, you are wrong. Keep reading to find out exactly why!

There are several reasons why this misconception is inaccurate:

Termites are opportunistic –

Termites are constantly searching for new food sources, and they don’t discriminate based on the age of a structure.

They are attracted to cellulose-containing materials, primarily wood, but also paper, cardboard, and even plant-based materials in and around homes. As long as there’s a food source available for them, termites can infest a building, whether it’s new or old.

Construction materials –

Even in new homes, builders often use wood and cellulose-based materials in various components like framing, support structures, and even interior finishes. These materials can be susceptible to termite infestations if not adequately protected. New homes can be particularly attractive to termites because the wood used is often fresh and untreated.

Soil conditions –

Termites often gain access to homes through the soil surrounding the structure, where they construct mud tubes or tunnels to reach their food source.

Soil conditions, moisture levels, and proximity to suitable food sources play a more significant role in termite infestations than the age of the home. Older homes may have had more time to develop favorable conditions, but new homes are not immune to these factors.

Infestation transference –

Termite infestations can be transferred from one area to another. For example, if a neighboring property has a termite problem, there’s a risk that the termites could move to a nearby new or older home.

Termites may also be unknowingly introduced through infested wood products or soil.

In addition, termites can potentially be transferred from one location to another, including from an old house to a new house, through infested furniture and other wooden items. This is known as a “secondary infestation” and can occur when termites are present in furniture or wooden objects that are moved from an infested area to a new location.

Here are a few ways this can happen:

Infested furniture during a move –

If you have infested furniture or wooden items in your old house, and you move these items to your new home, you could inadvertently bring termites with you. Termites may hide within the wood, and their presence may not be immediately apparent.

Second-hand or used furniture –

When purchasing second-hand or used furniture, especially if it’s made of wood, there’s a risk that it may be infested with termites. If you bring such furniture into your home, it can introduce termites to your new environment.

Wooden items from infested stores or warehouses –

While less common, it is possible that furniture or wooden products purchased from stores or warehouses with existing termite infestations could introduce termites into your new home.

Hidden infestations:

Termites are cryptic pests, meaning they often remain hidden within the walls or structures of a house. This means that homeowners may not be aware of an infestation until visible damage or other signs appear, regardless of the home’s age.

Area risk factors:

Certain areas are at a higher risk for termite infestations, such as regions with a warm and humid climate, but termites can be found in most parts of the United States. It’s the local conditions, not the age of a house, that are most relevant to termite activity.

After all, the age of a house is not a decisive factor in termite infestations. Termites can infest new and old homes alike, and homeowners should remain vigilant and take preventative measures, such as regular inspections, moisture control, and professional termite treatments, regardless of their home’s age.

Termites are a persistent threat to the structural integrity of homes, and early detection and intervention are crucial for minimizing damage. While homeowners can take some preventive measures on their own, the expertise, tools, and ongoing support that pest control companies offer make them the best option for comprehensive termite control and prevention.

So don’t hesitate to contact our team at Chem Free Exterminating in Orange County, California. You’ll rest assured that investing in professional termite control services can help protect your home and save you from potential long-term structural damage caused by termites and ultimately, financial losses.