Most people tend to underrate the persistent capabilities of termites and still do not believe that termites on brick wall can be a possibility.
Individuals are blinded by the popular belief that termites only feed on wood, so they have no business in a house that is constructed with brick walls.
Should this belief still stand? Can termites eat through concrete? Let us now find out!
Can Termites Eat Through Concrete?
Termites are very popular for their wood-chewing abilities. They feed on this wood and even build termite nests where they dwell to continue the feeding process, while also breeding.
These bugs are greatly attracted to cellulose materials and will eat through wood, drywall, flooring, and even wallpaper without being detected.
There are usually rare cases of termites on brick walls but a lot of people act less concerned due to the belief that termites cannot chew through brick walls or even penetrate them.
Can termites eat through concrete? The answer is no. But building a brick-walled house does not in any way make it inaccessible for these termites.
Although this type of wall makes entry difficult for termites, where there is a will, there is a way, and that is exactly what happens. Termites in walls (whether brick walls) are very persistent and will do anything to gain access to a food source.
Yes, termites on brick walls may not be able to chew through the wall, there are a couple of ways that they can still gain access to your home. They include:
- Plumbing Holes:
Plumbing holes are to channel water from the source into your home (could be the kitchen, bathroom, etc.). Now these termites can also use these holes to gain access through your brick wall house.
- Electrical Wiring Spaces:
Whether you live in a well-furnished and sealed brick wall house, there must be spaces left for electrical wiring. Termites can take advantage of these spaces.
- Expansion Joints in the Concrete:
A well-built concrete house will require spaces for expansion and contraction. Some temperature conditions may cause expansion in the joints of the concrete, and the termites can take advantage of these spaces to enter your home.
Read also:Â Termites In Oklahoma: Something Interesting About These 2 Termite Species
How Do Termites On Brick Wall Gain Access?
Identifying a termite infestation can be very tricky, as these bugs tend to go unnoticed for a long period of time due to the popular belief that termites only infest wood.
By the time you get to spot a termite infestation, it may be too late. It is therefore good to carry out regular inspections for termite activities, as this will help you spot these “silent killers,” as they are called.
How can termites on brick walls sneak into your brick or concrete home?
- Structural Bricks:
Most conventional homes and even modern structures are constructed with these structural bricks to support the walls of the structure without relying on just wooden frames.
One would think that this will definitely not attract termites, but then these bricks still give the termites access to your homes.
Want to know how? Well, the bricks have interior plaster over the wood slat (a thin, narrow strip of straight-grained wood that is used on lath and plaster walls and ceilings to hold plaster).
This lath is attached directly to the masonry with no space or insulation whatsoever. With this, the termites are able to gain access to your structure.
- Brick Veneer:
In modern days, brick houses are constructed with so-called brick veneers, which replace wood siding that is applied only to the surface.
A brick veneer is more like a decorative finish to the interior wood frames and can be described as a single layer of full-size, fill-thickness brick built on a wood-frame house.
Sadly, termites can gain access to your home by traveling behind the brick veneer, whose edge makes contact with moist soil.
- Concrete Slab:
A concrete slab is a very inviting spot for termites, as it can become a place of comfort for them. Concrete slabs are usually dark and wet underneath, and this can become a perfect breeding spot for termites.
As we mentioned previously, termites are very persistent creatures and will find their way into your structure through the plumbing holes, electrical wiring spaces, and even the expansion joints in the concrete.
Read also:Â Early Warning Signs of Termites
How To Prevent Exterior Termites on Brick Wall
- Seal all entry points that may grant termites access through your brick walls.
- Keep water away from your foundation.
- Do not stack firewood near the walls of your home.
- Maintain a space of at least 4 inches between your brick veneer and any moist soil-like materials.
- Repair plumbing leaks.
- Use termite-treated wood to construct most parts of your structure.
How To Get Rid of Termites in the Wall
- Purchase the Taurus SC liquid termiticide from Amazon.
- Apply this product where necessary by following the label instructions.
Read also:Â Termite Season | When is Termite Season?
Conclusion
Controlling termites on brick walls can be frustrating at times as these insects tend to be sneaky and exhibit somewhat persistent behaviors.
Inspection is a very important step in controlling any pest infestation, as a lot of people tend to realize an infestation after it has gotten worse.
After reading this article, do you still think exterior termites on brick walls are still impossible? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below!
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