Termagon Termite & Pest Control Blog
Termites are more than just pesky critters. They’re a destructive nuisance that can damage your home and cost you money. But what brings them to your space? The truth is, you don’t get a termite infestation simply through chance. There are specific conditions that make your home conducive to these insects.
Too Much Wood
Termites love wood of all kinds. That includes the firewood pile you have in your backyard, the tree stump in your front yard, any living trees close to your home and even the wood mulch that’s part of your landscaping. Woodpiles leaning against your home provide a point of access for termites to get inside. Rotting wood is a breeding ground for termite colonies. Living trees that come into contact with your home’s exterior just provide another pathway for them to cause damage. Mulch holds moisture, which is another thing termites love. For these reasons, all wood should be kept 15 to 20 feet away from the foundation of your home.
Poor Drainage
No one likes to clean the gutters, but putting off this chore indefinitely can create much more of a headache than just doing it. Clogged gutters can overflow, which can cause water to pool around your house. Again, moisture attracts termites, so you’re actually creating an otherwise avoidable hazard by letting water collect at the base of your home.
The soil around your home should be as dry as possible. Divert rainwater away from the foundation through regular gutter cleanings while maintaining downspouts and splash blocks. Repair any leaky faucets and pipes around the exterior of your home, as well.
Warm and Dark Places
Termites thrive when they go undetected. Crawl spaces are among their favorite places to live. These quiet, undisturbed spaces are the perfect environment for them to grow as a colony, and cause serious damage to your home as a result. If your crawl space or other underground area has any kind of moisture, it only attracts them more.
That’s why it’s important to keep these spaces dry and cool. You can inspect them for sources of moisture, and make repairs when necessary. Dehumidifiers can help, too.
Does your home have a termite problem? If so, you won’t be able to eradicate them by yourself. Instead, get in touch with Termagon Termite and Pest Control today.
