A home is one of the most important investments you can buy, and termite damage can be one of the most expensive repairs to fix. Termites can be living in your home and cause a lot of damage without anyone visibly noticing them for a long time. This can cost homeowner’s a lot of money for treatment and repairs if the home isn’t regularly inspected.
What attracts termites to your home?
Termites tend to settle in areas with easy access to food, such as soft or decaying wood. To find a new colony location, they will look for these habitats which can be near or even in your home. Preventative measures are the best method to deal with termites. If the wood is not treated or cared for properly, it is more likely to be infested by termites. It doesn’t matter if the wood is inside your home or outside. Preventing termites begins with understanding what draws them to your house in the first place. Here are a few things to watch out for that may be luring termites to your residence:
Woodpiles
Wood piles and firewood are known to attract termites and other pests. There is potential for a termite infestation in your home if the wood is close to the structure. So, to keep termites away from your house, stack woodpiles at least 20 feet away and raise them five inches above the ground.
Excess Foliage
Termites prefer to munch on decaying wood. Whether it’s a partially dead tree or a decomposing tree stump, these little lumberjacks will make easy work out of the situation. Contact a professional to have the dead or fallen trees and stumps removed before termites take up residence.
Mulch
Another way to invite termites into your home is to pile mulch around the base of your house. Mulch is made of wood chips that stay wet for a long time and are a favorite food source for termites. To keep termites from getting a simple way to your home, keep mulch 12 to 15 inches away from your home’s foundation.
Clogged Gutters and Missing Downspouts
Branches, leaves, and pine needles may build up in your gutters throughout the course of the year. This can lead to excessive water buildup in localized areas around your home, which can lead to rotting wood and debris that termites love to feast upon. Regularly clean your gutters or install gutter guards to avoid foliage buildup and fix any missing or inappropriately installed downspouts.
Professional Termite Control in Wilkes-Barre, Allentown, Harrisburg & Surrounding Areas in Pennsylvania
Finding termites in or around your home can be downright nerve-racking! If you find signs of an infestation or want a professional pest control expert to thoroughly examine your property contact Procor Pest Control today and we will schedule a no-cost, no-obligation inspection at your earliest convenience!
