Spring is here and termites will begin swarming and could seek out your home for their new nesting area. In order to help homeowners prevent a termite infestation, we would like to provide three things that you can may be doing to attract termites to your property.
The damage caused by termites typically goes unnoticed for many months by homeowners. By the time it is visible to the average person, it has usually advanced too far, as most of their work happens behind the scenes and out of sight from the human eye. Termites have been the cause of $5 billion in damage every year, and this damage in not often covered by homeowner insurance. While termites can be difficult to control, homeowners could also be unaware of a few things they could be doing to attract these wood-destroying pests.
These are three unexpected ways that homeowners can actually make their homes more appealing to termites:
- Storing firewood too close to property: Many homeowners keep firewood stacked against their home or on the stoop for easy access. This is appealing to termites and can draw them toward a home and provide a point of entry. Instead, store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. Also, be careful of leaving stumps and dead trees in the yard. Rotting wood material can serve as termite fuel and eventually result in termites entering the home.
- Clogged gutters: Cleaning the gutters is a necessary part of termite prevention. Termites love moisture and clogged gutters can cause water to pool and make insulation vulnerable to these wood-destroying pests.
- Mulch: Mulch is frequently used near the home and against the foundation and can serve as a source of food for termites. It also retains moisture, which attracts these destructive pests. Minimize the usage of wood mulch and keep it at least 15 inches from the foundation.
If you feel you may have a termite infestation, it’s would be best to contact NW Pest Control to have a full home inspection by a a licensed pest control expert as soon as possible to stop the damage before it gets worse. It is recommended that homeowners have an inspection done every year to ensure their home is safe each season from termites.