How to Stop Pests From Ruining Your Siding
Pests like termites and carpenter ants can wreak havoc on your home, leaving behind damaged Siding and moldy carpets. It’s a good idea to keep your Siding in good condition. After all, Siding is a touch point for pests to get inside your home. You must take the necessary precautions to prevent pest damage to your Siding. This article will explain how to prevent pest damage to your Siding by providing tips on how to prevent pest entry, how to prevent pest attraction, and how to prevent pest damage.
Pests that Cause Siding Damage
· Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees often get confused with honeybees. They resemble honeybees in appearance but are considerably smaller and less aggressive. Carpenter bees are an annoyance that damages the Siding on homes, particularly during the warmer months. Carpenter bees will begin drilling holes in your Siding as a result of their attraction to the temperature of your home. This may result in tiny holes that can be repaired or, worse yet, huge holes that require new Siding.
· Termites
Termites are small, wingless insects usually found in warm, moist areas like wood. Termites cause siding damage by eating the wood that holds the Siding in place and creating tunnels that can lead to structural damage. It’s important to remember that termites will go for the weakest part of your home, so make sure to check your windows, doors, and foundations for any signs of termite damage.
· Powderpost Beetles
Insects and pests can be a nuisance when they cause damage to your home. They can also be a hazard to your health. Powderpost beetles are a pest that can cause siding damage, typically caused by their larvae. Powderpost beetles lay their eggs in cracks and crevices of the wood, and then the larvae feed on the wood. If you have a powderpost beetle infestation, removing the infestation and repairing the damaged areas to prevent future damage are important.
· Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are a common pest that causes siding damage. They are black, about the size of a pencil eraser, and their heads are cone-shaped. Carpenter ants feed on wood, including siding materials, as they need cellulose to build their nests. Carpenter ants enter homes through openings like windows, doors, and around vents. They then seek out the most food-rich areas and can cause serious structural damage to your home if left unchecked. Carpenter ants swarm in large groups and can quickly overwhelm your home’s defenses.
· Rodents
Rats and mice are rodents that cause a lot of damage to homes and businesses, especially when they invade a building’s walls or attic. They can cause siding damage and even destroy electrical wiring and plumbing. After a rat has chewed through your Siding, it will leave behind droppings that can contain disease-causing bacteria and parasites. It is important to take precautionary measures to prevent rats from entering your home as they are known for causing serious environmental diseases and problems like Lassa fever.
· Woodpeckers
If you see damage on your Siding or roof, it could be caused by a woodpecker. Woodpeckers are a common pest that causes siding damage by pecking at the wood and drilling holes. The damage that these birds cause is usually worse in areas where the weather is dry and hot. The best way to prevent damage from woodpeckers is to cover your Siding or roof with bird netting. Adding wire mesh to your roof can also ensure your house is well-secured.
Pest Attraction Factors for Your Siding
· Moisture
As a key component in molding, moisture significantly impacts the health of your Siding. Moisture may originate from the outside, the interior, or both. Keep in mind that any moisture on your Siding could attract pests like termites and beetles, so it’s crucial to keep it dry.
· Wood rot
A typical issue for homes with Siding is wood rot. It is spurred on by ground moisture penetrating through the walls, harming the Siding and resulting in a leaking roof. Pests are drawn to wood rot because it provides an easy entrance into your home.
· Firewood
Pests attract not only to the food you leave outside but also to the woods left outside. If you have wood piling up outside, you should take it in and burn it or use it as firewood.
Siding Types Vulnerable to Pest Damage
· Wood Siding
Siding made of wood is wildly popular. It is known as one of the most susceptible to insect damage since it is often untreated and has a lot of cracks and crevices where bugs can get inside. Moisture and weather damage are other issues with wood siding. If you want to install the wood siding, ensure to seal the wood before installing it. This will help keep pests out and avoid moisture damage.
· Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular siding material for home construction because of its durability and low maintenance. However, this type of Siding is also vulnerable to pest damage, such as carpenter ants and termites. These pests cause extensive damage to your home and cause a lot of costly repairs. To prevent these pests from causing damage to your home, keep your vinyl siding clean by hiring a professional to inspect your home for pests.
The Solution: LongHouse Cedar’s Long-Lasting, Pest-Resistant Siding
Cedar siding is a natural, long-lasting, pest-resistant, and maintenance-free wood product. It is also the most environmentally friendly material to build your home or business. In addition to being easy to maintain, cedar siding has a 30-year lifespan. Additionally, cedar has a built-in resistance to disease, degradation, and insects. With cedar siding, you’ll save money on repairs and be able to focus on the important things in life.
If you have any questions about the best type of siding to protect your home from pests or want to order our custom-cut cedar siding that will add beauty and value to your home while keeping it safe from hungry critters., do not hesitate to contact us today.