Stucco is a multi-layered system for the exterior wall of a structure that is generally used in residential and commercial buildings. A stucco system generally has five layers: the exterior finish, a mesh that reinforces and protects the system, an insulating material, an adhesive that binds the stucco to the building, and the substrate to which the stucco is attached. It is a system that was first developed in Europe, and which made its way to the US thirty years ago.
Are termites attracted to stucco?
Stucco itself does not really have any materials that a termite can eat, but it is an excellent medium for them to travel through. If stucco is attached to a substrate that is made from cellulose, such as plywood, they will use the stucco to travel to and from their nest with the cellulose. This can be a real issue, because the termites can go undetected for a very long time, causing a huge amount of damage before any control measure is taken. In fact, there are termite companies that will not treat structures that use stucco because of this vulnerability and the liability that can be incurred as a result of an infestation.
Solutions
If you have a home that is covered in synthetic stucco, there are a few steps that you can take in order to protect the building. The stucco can be cut and sealed by a specialist, who will trim it until it’s about 6 inches off the ground. The specialist will then seal it, and the home can receive an effective termite treatment.
You also want to make sure that any cracks formed where the stucco meets door and window casings are caulked and sealed. Perform a quick inspection each year, and seal any new small cracks as they develop. You can find sealants and caulk at hardware stores, and they will come in a variety of colors so you can find one product that matches your stucco.
Finally, it’s important to have regular inspections performed by a pest control specialist. These inspections will detect a termite infestation early on, which will reduce the amount of damage that a colony can do to your home. If you want to set up an inspection schedule, or if you believe that you might have an infestation, contact us today and we will send a team member over as soon as possible.
