Termites prefer to stay hidden when they invade a home, often causing structural damage before being detected. They might take advantage of your home’s foundation, so you should monitor this component. Termites used the foundation to reach the wooden parts of your home. Thankfully, you can save thousands in home repairs if you spot entry points early. This is because you can contact a pest control company like Saela Pest Control to help you address the issue. Experts employ proven and tested methods to eliminate termites and prevent them from coming back. 

The foundation of your home connects directly to the soil, which is the prime termite territory. Subterranean termites live underground. They build tunnels through the soil and use mud tubes to climb up foundations in search of food. They feed on anything made of cellulose, such as beams, floorboards, and even wallpaper.

Common Entry Points to Watch

Every foundation has potential weak spots, but certain areas are more vulnerable than others. You must know where to look to identify termite activity. Below are common entry points to pay attention to:

• Expansion joints and cracks. Concrete naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. This movement can cause small cracks to appear in the foundation. Termites take advantage of these gaps, using them as hidden highways to reach wooden structures. 
• Gaps around pipes and utility lines. Pipes, cables, and HVAC lines usually enter your home through openings in the foundation. These access points are convenient for termites because they provide an easy route from the soil into the house. Moisture from leaking pipes can make the area more attractive to pests. Check around these connections and seal any spaces you find.
• Mud tubes on exterior walls. Mud tubes appear along foundations, walls, or between bricks. Termites build them to travel safely between their underground colonies and the wood they consume. Call a professional pest control team if you break a section of a mud tube and notice live termites inside.
• Wooden structures touching the ground. Deck posts, porch steps, and door frames that sit directly on soil can act as bridges for termites. They provide a direct connection between the colony and the wood in your home. If possible, ensure all wooden parts of your property are raised off the ground and supported by concrete or metal bases.
• Foundation vents and gaps in crawl spaces. Many Nashville homes have crawl spaces for ventilation and access. These areas hold moisture, making them perfect nesting spots for termites. Damaged or missing vent screens allow easy entry for pests. This makes it important to maintain a secure vents secure and dry and well-ventilated crawl spaces.

Signs Termites May Already Be Inside

Sometimes termites enter through hidden cracks or underground routes. If they have moved in, you may notice the following signs.

• Hollow wood. Wooden walls, floors, or beams that sound hollow or papery indicate that termites have eaten away the interior.
• Swarming insects. Termite swarmers emerge from colonies during spring or after heavy rain. A colony might be nearby if you find discarded wings near windows or doorways.
• Blistered or uneven paint. Termites tunnel beneath surfaces, which can cause paint to bubble or wood to warp. 
• Mud patches or tunnels. Termites may create small mud spots inside cracks or seams to maintain moisture. These patches are often overlooked but can reveal active entry points.

How Nashville’s Climate Influences Termite Activity

Termites thrive in warm, humid conditions, which are abundant in Nashville. The city’s mild winters allow termite colonies to remain active year-round. The soil becomes damp and soft after heavy rain, making it easier for termites to build tunnels toward foundations.

Spring and early summer are peak times for swarmers, which leave the nest to start new colonies. During these months, homeowners should stay especially alert for signs of termite entry.