Can a Brick House Have Termites?
WouterDespite the fact that homes built with brick are not as prone to termite infestations as those made with wood siding, termites can still cause damage to your home. While they will usually go undetected, they can cause significant structural damage if not treated correctly.
Termites will feed on organic materials that contain cellulose. This can include wooden furniture, drywall, flooring, and even wallpaper. They can also enter through cracks in the foundation, walls, or plumbing. They can cause thousands of dollars in repairs if left untreated.
Fortunately, most modern brick homes aren’t constructed with solid brick, and they are mostly made with brick veneer. In older homes, the bricks may be made of structural brick. This means the bricks are thickened with interior plaster, providing more protection from termites.
If you have a brick house, you should have an annual termite inspection. This is especially important if you have wooden frames inside your home. This can serve as a superhighway for termites. Having four inches of space between your drywall and the brick will help prevent termites from traveling behind the veneer.
You will want to inspect the entire interior and exterior of your home for signs of termite infestation. Termites are drawn to warm, consistent temperatures and abundant food. They need to be able to find their way through building materials to reach their food source.
The best way to combat termites is to have a professional do a termite inspection. Depending on the species of termites in your home, you might be able to prevent an infestation or have it treated.
