Ways You Attract Termites to Your Home
- KEEPING A WOODPILE CLOSE TO HOME: It’s typical to keep firewood close to home (or even stacked up against your walls) for easy access – but this convenience creates a high risk of infestation. If you can, try to keep firewood and woodpiles at least 20 feet away from the house and keep it raised off of the ground – such as with specialized racks, bricks or concrete platforms.
- CLOGGED GUTTERS: Since termites prefer moisture, improperly drained rain gutters -which causes liquid to collect and make insulation easy to break through – also serve as an attractant and point of entry for these cellulose-loving pests. Be sure to keep the troughs free of debris such as leaves, branches and standing water.
- USING TOO MUCH MULCH: Mulch is great for inhibiting weed growth and helping soils retain water – but these moisture-loving wood chips also provide the perfect habit for termites to thrive. Be cautious about applying too much mulch around your foundation (keeping it at least 6 inches away from your home’s foundation and never contact siding) and replace it every 2 to 3 years. Also, keeping a ground-cover fabric barrier between the soil and mulch will also reduce the chances of termite activity.
- TREES AND STUMPS: Trees that hover above your home and come into contact with your roof and walls provide another point of entry for termites; the excessive shade can also slow precipitation and encourage moisture build-up. Also, rotting tree stumps and dead trees – which can collect liquids, promote the growth of fungi and can even have roots that extend towards your home’s foundation – can provide another termite haven.
If you’re concerned about a potential termite infestation, contact Accurate Termite Control today for inspection and treatment.