If you have found termites in your bathroom, you are probably wondering why they are there. This is a common question that many homeowners ask when they find these pests in their homes. This blog post from our local termite control experts will discuss the reasons why termites might be in your bathroom and what you can do to get rid of them.
Leaky Pipes and Faucets
One of the most common reasons why termites might be in your bathroom is because of leaky pipes and faucets. If water leaks from these fixtures, it can create a perfect environment for termites to thrive.
They will feed on the moisture that is coming from the leaks, and they will also build their nests in this area. If you have noticed any leaks in your bathroom, be sure to fix them as soon as possible. This will help get rid of the termites, and it will also help prevent them from returning in the future.
Ceilings and Wood Walls
The majority of the internal structure in the bathroom walls and ceilings is constructed of wood. If your bathroom contains the same qualities, it’s very likely that it’s what attracted the termites, to begin with.
Cracks and Crevices
Termites will also search for small cracks and crevices in order to gain access to your home. If you have any of these openings in your bathroom, it’s important to seal them up as soon as possible. This will help keep the termites out, and it will also make it more difficult for them to cause damage to your home.
Ventilation System That Is Faulty
If your bathroom has a faulty ventilation system, it can be an attractive place for termites. They will thrive in a moist environment, and they will also be able to travel through the vents to other parts of your home. If you have a faulty ventilation system in your bathroom, be sure to get it fixed as soon as possible.
Bathtubs and Showers
Termites are also attracted to your bathroom because of the moisture sources and damp environments it provides. The termites are attracted to the bathrooms because they are frequently used for bathing and showering, which generates a consistently humid atmosphere.
Damages That Termites Cause in a Bathroom
If termites are left untreated in a bathroom, they can cause serious damage. Some of the most common damages that they will cause include:
Loose or Detached Tiles
Termites build their mud nests on the walls or beneath the tiles. Although you may readily find the mud tubes on the wall, hunting for them beneath the tiles is not as simple.
When forging termites develop mud tunnels beneath the tiled surface, the tiles become loose and, in the case of older tiles, may even detach completely.
Damaged Pipes
Termites that are infesting your bathroom can also cause damage to the pipes and faucets. They will chew on the piping, and they can also clog up the fixtures with their mud nests. This can lead to water leaks and other serious problems.
Damaged Walls and Ceilings
If the termites are left untreated, they can cause serious damage to the walls and ceilings in your bathroom. They will eat away at the wood until it’s weakened, and they can even create large holes in the structure.
Wooden Structures of Your Bathtub and Sink
If you have a wooden structure in your bathtub or sink, the termites will be attracted to it. They will eat away at the wood until it’s completely destroyed.
Eliminating Termites in Your Bathroom
If you have discovered that there are termites in your bathroom, it’s important to take action right away. There are a few things that you can do to get rid of them:
Call a Termite Control Expert
The best way to get rid of the termites is by calling a professional termite control expert. They will be able to inspect your home, and they will also provide you with the necessary treatment to eliminate the termites.
Seal Up Any Cracks and Crevices
You can also help get rid of the termites by sealing up any cracks or crevices in your bathroom. This will make it more difficult for them to gain access to your home.
Fix any Leaky Fixtures
Be sure to also fix any leaky fixtures in your bathroom. This will help prevent the termites from getting access to the moisture that they need to survive.
Install a Ventilation System
If you don’t have a ventilation system in your bathroom, it’s a good idea to install one. This will help keep the humidity level down, and it will also make it less attractive for termites.
FAQ’s About Termites in Bathrooms
Here are some frequently asked questions about termites in bathrooms:
Can Termites Live Under Tile?
Yes, termites can live under the tile. They will build their mud nests on the walls or beneath the tiles.
Can Termites Affect Plumbing?
Yes, termites can affect the plumbing in your home. They will chew on the piping, and they can also clog up the fixtures with their mud nests. This can lead to water leaks and other serious problems.
Do Water Leaks Attract Termites?
Yes, water leaks can attract termites. This is because the leaks create a moist and humid environment that the termites thrive in.
Do Termites Eat PVC Pipe?
Termites will not typically eat PVC pipe. However, they can cause damage to the piping by chewing on it. Formosan Termites are known to be able to eat through PVC pipes.
Takeaway
If you have found termites in your bathroom, it is important to call a professional exterminator as soon as possible. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home, and they should be treated quickly and effectively.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn about why termites are in your bathroom. Should you have any more questions in mind, feel free to contact us today!