Signs You Are Attracting Termites Into Your Home

Termites’ favorite thing is feeding on cellulose (obtained from wood) since they do this 24/7 and 365 days a year. Unfortunately, this also makes them destructive because once termites enter your home or property, they will start eating away at everything in their path until the structural integrity of your home is at risk. The 3 most common types of termites are subterranean, drywood, and dampwood.

Some common conditions that draw termites to your home include:

• Moisture
• Bad drainage
• Mulch & gardens
• Landscaping timbers
• Firewood & woodpiles
• Dead trees & stumps
• Tree limbs close to the home

How Can These Conditions Attract Termites to Your Home?

It’s easy to forget how much damage termites can do to homes, however, we’re here to help you prevent them! Here you’ll find more information on each of the common termite risks!

Review these FAQs about termites and how you can prevent them in order to protect your home!

How to prevent termites when you have moisture buildup or bad drainage

Common areas that build up moisture attracting termites include air conditioning systems, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and improper gutter drainage. The best way to keep termites at bay is by making sure there are no leaks in these areas and that there is no excessive moisture build up in your bathroom and laundry room.

When bad drainage happens so can termites. As we mentioned, termites love moisture, so when clogged gutters or improper drainage create pools of water in the insulation it can make that vulnerable to pests.

Tips to solve improper gutter drainage issues:

• Use & regularly empty drainage blocks
• Use downspout extenders to direct water further from the home
• Clean gutters regularly
• Install gutter guards to avoid buildup of leaves and more

Bad Drainage

Why mulch and gardens attract termites

Mulch is often used around homes, in gardens, or against the foundation. Unfortunately, the wood chips can become a great source of food for termites if not carefully inspected and monitored - especially since they retain moisture which helps encourage these pesky insects! Keep mulched material at least 15 inches away from your house's foundations as well; otherwise, you may end up with an infestation.

What are landscaping timbers and how they attract termites

Most landscaping timbers are placed on the ground, and if they get wet enough then those pesky little insects will come out in full force.

Where to store firewood & woodpiles to avoid termites

It is important that you store your wood at least 20 feet away and keep an even height with 5 inches of space between the pile and the ground. Be sure not to use wood objects to keep them off the ground too! Termites can come into contact very easily when they are feeding off firewood and woodpiles.

Why leaving dead trees and stumps in the yard may attract termites

In the event that you find any dead trees or stumps in your yard, make sure to clear them before termites can nest and migrate towards home.

Why disposing of tree limbs close to home is important

If your home has trees, you should trim the limbs of those close to protect yourself and prevent termites from reaching into our homes. In addition, if a tree limb falls on top or near something it can slow down light coming in which will encourage more moisture buildup that leads to things like mold growth.