It’s much more common to have a termite problem than most people realize. The U.S. is home to approximately 45 different termite species. These voracious chewers can be found in every state except for Alaska, and they cost Americans roughly $5 billion in property damage annually.
WHAT ATTRACTS TERMITES?
Rather than dealing with termites and the damage they cause, you should do your best to avoid a termite infestation altogether. Below are some of the most common ways you might be attracting these pests to your home unintentionally.
1. Keeping Lumber or Chopped Wood Near Your Home
You might be tempted to keep firewood next to your garage or on your porch, where it will be close and convenient during cold weather. However, this pile of wood can be a delicious meal for termites, and once they start there, these pests can easily migrate into your home. Just to be safe, store chopped wood at least 20 feet away from your home, and keep it at least 5 inches off the ground so that it won’t be as attractive to subterranean termites.
2. Rotting Wood In Your Yard
Termites are drawn to fallen branches and rotting stumps. Even mulch made of bark can be attractive to these bugs, especially because of how much moisture it retains. Make sure to clear out stumps and branches from your property, and opt for mulch that contains little to no cellulose (aka. termite food).
3. Poor Drainage Around Your Home
If you have clogged gutters, the water flooding over the side can start rotting your roof and your siding. Those soft, decaying areas are prime locations for termites to enter your home. Similarly, if you have other drainage issues around your foundation, the ground there will get moist and soft, and the vegetation will rot. This type of wet environment can also be appealing to termites.
4. Cracks in Your Home’s Exterior
When swarmers go looking for a new place to start a termite colony, gaps around your doors and windows can be literal open invitations to come in. Subterranean termites can also enter your home through gaps in your siding or cracks your foundation. Keep an eye out for the mud tubes that they build to travel between food sources!
Have you noticed signs of termites around your property? Our experts at Sage Pest Control are ready to help! Give us a call at (704) 413-3398 or contact us online today for an inspection and free quote.