Termites are pesky little critters that cause extensive structural damage to a home by tunneling through the wood.  In their wake of destruction, they leave weakened structural integrity, which, in turn, can lead to a multitude of problems for your home.

That said, addressing a termite problem by calling a termite control service right away is the most effective way to minimize the damage. Better yet, avoid getting a termite infestation in the first place by eliminating these causes and attractants for termites:

1.Exterior Cracks Or Gaps

Cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior should be addressed as soon as possible, not only to block the entry of termites but to also prevent moisture and other pests from entering your home as well. After you finish this article, take some time to survey the exterior of your house. Inspect every nook and cranny for any cracks or gaps in the brick, wood, or concrete. If you spot even just one, fill the gap right away with a sealant. But if the crack or gap is too big for a DIY measure, call a professional to solve the problem for you.

Another reason why you should never ignore cracks in your exterior is that over time, they will grow bigger and thus warrant a more expensive repair bill. So as soon as you see one, address the problem right away to save money and keep pests outside of your home.

2.Dead Trees And Stumps

Make it a habit to clear excess foliage from your property regularly, especially those that are situated near your house. Dead trees and stumps attract termites as they decompose, and soon enough, the termites will migrate to your home and wreak havoc there.

3.Piles Of Firewood

Termites are attracted to wood because they eat the cellulose inside it. That said, storing piles of firewood anywhere near your house can attract the presence of termites. Over time, these destructive pests will migrate to a nearby source of more cellulose: your house.

To avoid this problem, keep stacks of firewood at least twenty feet away from your home and five inches off the ground. If you have an external structure on your property, such as a shed or a barn, it’s better to store firewood there. Moreover, consider giving away or selling your excess firewood if you’re not planning to use it any time soon.

4.Branches Near Your Home

Branches that touch parts of your house can serve as a bridge for termites to cross on. Thus, regularly trim branches that come near your house to prevent termite migration. You can do this yourself if the branches are small enough; otherwise, hire an arborist to do it for you.

5.Moisture

Like other pests, termites are attracted to moisture. Therefore, having leaky pipes, improper drainage, downspouts that are too close to the house, and other sources of excess moisture in and around your house can lead to a termite infestation.

Excess moisture is already a big problem in and of itself since it can lead to water damage and mold growth. That said, it’s best to tackle the moisture problem head-on and save yourself from a termite infestation, along with other types of home damage.

6.Wood Debris

If you’re having construction done on your home, request that the workers store wood debris away from your home to avoid attracting pests. Furthermore, have wood debris cleared away as soon as the construction is done so that you don’t risk attracting termites anywhere near your property.

7.Blocked Vents

Vents that are blocked with organic debris look like all-you-can-eat buffets for termites that feast on plant cellulose. Blocked vents, like many other problems on this list, can lead to more issues beyond a termite infestation as well. Hence, it’s crucial that you clear debris from vents regularly to avoid every possible problem that can occur with it being blocked.

While you’re at it, check your gutters for blockages as well, especially in the fall.

8.Mulch

The wood chips in mulch retain moisture, making it an attractive source of food for termites. If a termite problem is common in your neighborhood, consider using mulch alternatives like pea gravel, pumice rock, or recycled shredded rubber instead of wood or anything made from plants. If you must use wood chips, keep the mulch at least fifteen inches away from your foundation.

Once a termite infestation starts, it can be very difficult to get rid of these destructive insects. With that being said, prevent a termite problem from occurring in the first place by getting rid of these things from your home today.

Meta title: 8 Things That Can Attract Termites to Your Home
meta desc: Termites can cause extensive damage to a home. Read on and learn how you can prevent an infestation in your home and keep these pesky creatures away.