As a general rule, termites will build their colonies in, around, or near a food source. If you take away the food source the colony will move on or die. Since their food source is soft or decaying wood, your home could be a potential safe haven for termite colonies. In order to prevent colonies from seeking out your home, it is important that you make your home as unappealing to termites as possible. Since there are various kinds of termites, below are a few suggestions for what you can do to protect your home from termites. Read on to learn how you might be attracting termites without even knowing.
Wood Attracting Termites
Wood Pile
If you have a fireplace, chances are you also have a wood pile somewhere on your property. Unfortunately, these wood piles are likely attracting termites, thus bringing them that much closer to your home. To prevent termites from going after your wood pile and your home, keep all wood stored at least 20 feet away from the side of your home. You should also elevate it at least 5 inches off the ground.
Trees and Stumps
Tree with long limbs and covered in leaves are beautiful. Sadly though, if the limbs touch the roof, they are a prime gateway for termites to get access to your home. Be sure to keep your trees trimmed so that the branches are at least 6 inches away from the house. If you have any stumps from old trees, it is crucial that you remove them, because once they have finished consuming the stump, your home will be the next closest food source.
Mulch
Mulch is an excellent way to keep your yard looking nice and to help newly planted foliage to retain moisture. However, as the mulch deteriorates it starts attracting termites. Prevent an infestation by making sure that any mulch is at least 15 inches away from the side of the house and foundation.
Gutters
Another gateway to your home is your gutters. As dead leaves and broken twigs get washed into the gutters, they begin to decay. This is an irresistible treat for termites. So it is critical to keep your gutters clear of any debris.
Signs of Termites
On a regular basis, at least once a year if not more often, you should take a look around your home for any signs of a termite infestation. If you are not sure what to look for, call your pest control professional to have your home inspected. However, there are certain telltale signs to look out for that suggest you may be dealing with termites.
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Wings
If you walk around the outside of your home and see insect wings on your windows, you could be dealing with termites. Termites tend to shed their wings shortly after they have found a mate.
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Mud Tubes
When walking your property, check for any signs of mud tubes. These will be small tubes made of mud that connect a termite colony to its food source, your home. If you see these, it is time to give your pest control professional a call.
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Droppings
Termite droppings look like wood particles or sawdust. If you notice any pellet shaped droppings around your home, you may have a termite infestation.
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Structural Damage
One of the more obvious signs of a termite infestation is structural damage. If it gets to the point where the damage is relatively simple to spot, it may be too late, and the repairs may be quite costly. This is why it is so important that you regularly inspect your home for termites. The sooner they are spotted and eliminated, the easier it will be for you to repair the damage.
