Is Your Home Too Attractive To Termites?

Do you unintentionally attract termites to your home? These pests cause billions of dollars' worth of structural damage annually in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Take a look at what attracts termites to homes and how you can reduce the risks of pest-related structural damage.

Too Many Trees

While trees beautify your yard and provide plenty of places for the local wildlife to nest or rest, trees can also attract termites to your home. But that does not mean you need to cut down every tree on your property just to keep these pests at bay.

Tree limbs that come in direct contact with your home — especially with wooden surfaces, such as window frames, doorframes, or gutters — provide a direct pathway for pests. Along with a wooden way into your home, thick limbs can block sunlight. This prevents moisture evaporation, leaving your home's exterior and the surrounding area damp and inviting to termites.

Prevent against termites by trimming back limbs that are close to your home.

Too Much Mulch

What do termites love? The obvious answer is wood. Wood-made mulch used in moderation, and kept away from the exterior of your home, is not a major problem. But overuse of wood mulch that is directly against the foundation or exterior presents two problems.

As a primary food source for termites, mulch that is against your home is attractive to termites. As the pests feast, they can easily make their way into your home or transition from the mulch to wooden exterior structural components (such as basement windowsills).

Along with providing pests with a food source, wood mulch also traps moisture. Again, termites enjoy a moisture-rich environment. The dampness under the mulch on the ground or on your home may attract termites.

To reduce the termite invasion risk, keep mulch away from your home's foundation or use a rubber alternative. If you do have mulch near your home's exterior walls, inspect the area often. A pest professional can assess the space and recommend preventative measures for keeping termites away.

Too Many Cracks

Termites, like other pests, enjoy an easy entry. Cracks in wooden sills, entryways, foundations, or other exterior areas give these pests direct access to your home. Inspect your home's exterior, looking for breaks or gaps.

Even though termites are wood-loving pests, cracks in concrete or brick foundations are also inviting entry spaces. Minimize the chances of a termite invasion by filling cracks immediately and maintaining your home's exterior.

Too Much Firewood

An outdoor firepit is a backyard accessory that adds style, warmth, and more. But the wood it requires can attract pests. Uncovered woodpiles are an inviting environment to termites. To reduce the invasion risk, move wood to an area away from the home's exterior walls.

Too Much Debris

Like firewood, yard debris such as fallen tree limbs, cut weeds, branches, twigs, or pine cones attracts termites. If you have recently done yard work, are in the middle of a property cleanup, or have storm damage, clear the clutter away from your home.

Bundle branches, bag debris, and move larger limbs to an area that is far away from the foundation. This eliminates the direct pathway, reducing the likelihood of an insect invasion.

Too Little Drainage

Clogged gutters pack a one-two punch when inviting termites to your home. Not only does the leaf debris attract pests, but the moisture — which often pools when the gutters are clogged or ineffective — creates a termite-friendly environment. Remove gutter debris regularly. This keeps the water flowing and diverts it away from your home.

Do you need help reducing the risks of termites? Contact Bobby Grisson's Pest Management for more information on pests and prevention.