termites destroying old wood

Termites are one of the biggest nightmares a homeowner can face. In fact, according to research, termites and similar pests cause around $30 billion in property damage every year.

Termites destroy your home from the inside out, chewing through your foundation and harming the supporting structures of your property. There are ways that you can protect your home from these pesky insects, such as seeking the help of a professional pest control company. However, did you know that you might be doing things right now that increase your risk of a termite infestation? Before things get any worse, let’s start by looking at the ways that you may be inviting them into your home!

1. Stacking Wood Around the Property

You don’t need to be an expert on termites to know that they love chomping on wood. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners choose to leave woodpiles near their home so it’s easy to grab when needed. Unfortunately, these woodpiles appear as an all-you-can-eat buffet to termites, encouraging them to visit your home.

To reduce your risk of pests, it’s a good idea to keep wood at least 20 feet away from any structures. You can also consider using concrete slabs or metal stands to build a barrier between the wood, and your home.

2. Allowing Moisture to Build Up

Pests love certain environments. Often, termites prefer places that are warm, dark, and moist. That means if you want to avoid termites, you need to make sure that moisture isn’t allowed to build up around your foundation. Take steps to direct water away from your property with downspouts, gutters, and other structures.

At the same time, remember to stay vigilant when it comes to home repair solutions. Address issues with water pipes, leaking faucets, and air conditioning as quickly as possible.

3. Spreading Too Much Mulch

If termites eat wood for dinner, then mulch is their dessert. Mulch helps to infuse the soil with additional nutrients, and ensure that it doesn’t lose moisture — which is why it’s used so frequently in gardens. Unfortunately, just as mulch can help your yard to thrive, it also supports the lives of termites, too.

The best way to control termite infestations is to make sure that mulch is far away from your home’s foundation, and monitor the substance for any signs of termite activity. You can also consider removing mulch entirely and replacing it with an alternative.

4. Allowing Gutters to Become Clogged

Dealing with clogged gutters might not be a glamorous job, but it’s essential to protecting your home from termites. When you fail to clean out your gutters regularly, debris and leaves can build up and gather moisture. These clogged areas offer the perfect dark, damp areas for termites to nest.

Take the time to maintain your gutters regularly, and extend your downspouts accordingly so that water doesn’t have a chance to build up around the foundation of your property.

5. Failing to Maintain Your Landscape

Most of the time, termites aren’t attracted to dead wood. Instead, they live in the bushes and trees around your property. Any bushes or trees that brush against the sides or roof of your home can give termites quick access to your property. What’s more, bushes and overgrown tree limbs can block access to the sun, allowing moisture to build by preventing evaporation.

Try to keep the heavy growth of bushes, trees, and shrubbery around your property minimized if you want to reduce your risk of a termite infestation.

6. Allowing Humidity to Build Up

Similarly to standing water, termites enjoy all kinds of moisture within your home. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your property is well-ventilated. Humidity can sit on the wooden surfaces around your property and keep it damp, which is key to attracting termites.

If you live in a humid or hot climate, you should consider investing in a high-quality dehumidifying system to reduce the presence of moisture around your home. This will help to prevent termite infestations, as well as problems with ants, cockroaches, and more.

Banishing Unwanted Houseguests

Even if you’re careful about the way that you stack wood around your property, and keep your gutters clean, there’s a chance that termites might find their way into your property. A frequent termite inspection conducted by a professional exterminator can pinpoint signs of termites early, before excessive damage is done. Professionals can even help to identify any problem spots in your home, and offer advice on how to prevent further infestations.

Contact Adios Pest Control today. We know how to help rid your home of termites and any other unwanted pests.