Whether it be a cute bungalow in East Nashville or a big family home in Green Hills, homeowners in Nashville take pride in their property. But many are ignoring a threat that quietly undermines the strength of their investment. An estimated $5 billion worth of property damage is caused by termites annually in the United States, and Nashville is an environment perfect for these pests that wreak havoc on homes.
The hot, humid climate, mild winters, and clay soil combine to create the perfect environment for termite colonies to survive the entire year. If you notice possible signs of termites or wish to take proactive measures to protect your home, seek advice from a saelapest.com to avoid costly repairs down the line.
The Nashville Termite Advantage: Climate & Soil
The clement weather in Nashville is like a buffet spread for termites. Since temperatures rarely dip below freezing and average humidity levels are around 70%, subterranean termites are active nearly year-round. Termites not only survive in the Tennessee climate, but they also thrive and succeed at growing their colonies.
Soil composition is yet another layer of concern:
- Clay-heavy soil: Middle Tennessee has red clay that retains moisture very well, which provides the damp soil required for termites to build mud tubes and move between their colonies and food sources.
- Moderate pH levels: The soil in Nashville is generally acidic to neutral, which is not as inhibitive to termite activity as highly alkaline soils are.
- Organic matter: Mulch beds, and the mature trees and decaying wood in yards have plenty of cellulose that attracts foraging termites nearer to home foundations.
Hidden Vulnerabilities of Nashville Homes
In many cases, Nashville properties are architectural features that accidentally welcome termites in:
- Crawl spaces: Typical in older Nashville neighborhoods such as Belmont-Hillsboro and Sylvan Park, these dark, damp spaces rarely receive inspection for years on end, letting termites build huge colonies in secret
- Brick veneer construction: Brick homes, which are common in Nashville’s housing stock, often have small spaces between brick and wood framing where the insect enters, leaving no apparent external signs of damage.
- Deck attachments: Direct contact with the soil creates highways to access termites, and soon the pressure-treated wood starts to decay in the humidity of Nashville.
- French drains and landscaping: Poorly designed drainage solutions collect water next to foundations, while mulch beds that touch siding create both moisture and a food source
- Historic home features: The original wood foundations, floor joists, and support beams found in homes located in Nashville’s beautiful historic districts are also irresistible attractions for termites.
Spotting Termite Activity Before It’s Too Late
Finding foundation issues early can lead to minor repairs instead of major structural repairs. After Nashville’s spring rains, the prime time of year for active termites, check along foundation walls for mud tubes. They form pencil-width tunnels in concrete, brick, or wood, linking soil to food.
Once swarmers have settled in an area and established a new colony, they often discard their wings, which can be found sitting around windowsills or doors from March through May in Nashville.
Signs of more severe damage are hollow-sounding wood, paint buckling, or spongy-feeling floors when stepped on. Termite droppings are small wood pellets, so watch for piles of what appear to be sawdust near baseboards or woodwork. Use a flashlight and screwdriver with a probe attachment to poke at any exposed wood to test for softness annually in your attic and crawl space.
Secure a Termite Damage Warranty Today
Termite prevention is not a one-and-done treatment; it is ongoing monitoring and guaranteed protection. Saela Pest Control provides Nashville homeowners with complete termite protection plans that include property inspections, tailored treatment plans, and damage guarantees that will pay for repairs if termites tunnel through the barrier.
By utilizing both liquid treatments and strategically located monitoring stations placed around the property, they are able to develop lines of defense. Local technicians apply treatment plans that respond specifically to Nashville area termite pressures, taking into account neighborhood soil conditions, age, and type of construction.
