Tiny Invaders, Big Problems: How Termites Weaken Your Home and Invite Raccoons into Your Attic
Termites: The Hidden Threat Beneath Your Home
Termites are one of the most destructive pests, causing billions of dollars in damage every year. According to the
University of Kentucky Entomology Department, termites cause an estimated
$5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S.—damage that most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover.
How Termites Weaken Your Home’s Defenses
1. Compromising Structural Integrity
Termites chew through wooden beams, flooring, and even drywall, creating weak spots in your home’s framework. As they tunnel through walls
and foundations, they create openings that allow other pests to enter.
2. Creating Easy Entry Points for Wildlife
Once termites damage wooden structures, gaps, holes, and cracks begin to form. These weaknesses provide the perfect opportunity for larger
animals—like raccoons, squirrels, and even rats—to exploit your home’s vulnerabilities.
3. Attracting Other Insects That Raccoons Love to Eat
When termites weaken wood, they often create moisture issues, which in turn attract other pests like ants, beetles, and cockroaches.
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will go wherever food is abundant, meaning a termite-infested home is essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Raccoons in the Attic: A Nightmare for Homeowners
Once inside, raccoons can cause serious destruction to insulation, wiring, and air ducts. The
University of Missouri Extension warns that raccoons are notorious for:
- Tearing apart insulation to build their nests.
- Chewing through electrical wiring, creating fire hazards.
- Spreading diseases like rabies and raccoon roundworm through their droppings.
Signs You Have a Termite Problem
- ✅ Mud tubes along your foundation (used by subterranean termites for travel).
- ✅ Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
- ✅ Warped or bubbling paint, which could indicate moisture buildup from termite tunnels.
- ✅ Swarms of flying termites (especially in spring).
- ✅ Droppings or tiny holes in wood where termites have been feeding.
How to Prevent Termites and Raccoons from Taking Over
1. Schedule Regular Termite Inspections
Annual termite inspections by professionals like STL Pest Control can catch infestations early before they lead to major structural issues.
2. Seal Entry Points
Fix cracks, holes, and damaged wood before raccoons have a chance to invade. Reinforce attic vents, rooflines, and crawl spaces with
sturdy materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth to keep wildlife out.
3. Eliminate Moisture Problems
Since termites are drawn to damp areas, address leaks, poor drainage, and humidity issues in your home.
4. Store Firewood and Debris Away from Your Home
Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground to minimize risk.
5. Remove Food Sources for Raccoons
- Secure trash cans with locking lids.
- Remove pet food from outside.
- Trim tree branches away from your roof to prevent easy access.
Professional Pest Control: The Best Line of Defense
If you’re dealing with termite damage or suspect wildlife in your attic, don’t wait for the problem to escalate.
STL Pest Control specializes in both termite treatment and wildlife removal, ensuring your home stays secure and pest-free.
Why Choose STL Pest Control?
- ✅ Expert termite control to eliminate colonies and prevent further damage.
- ✅ Wildlife exclusion services to safely remove raccoons and seal entry points.
- ✅ Eco-friendly treatment options that are safe for your family and pets.
Don’t Let Tiny Pests Lead to Big Problems!
Protect your home from termites and the raccoons they attract. Contact STL Pest Control today for a free inspection.
📞 Call now: (314) 833-6222