30 June 2020
 Categories: , Blog

As a homeowner, your home constitutes one of your most prized investments, and harboring termites on your property can cause a lot of havoc as they are very destructive pests. In preventing a termite infestation, it's important to understand their food sources and their attraction sites. The three common types of termites are drawn to homes for different reasons, but they all require prime environments to grow their colonies. Termites are mainly looking for dampness, cellulose and warmth, and you could unknowingly be setting up a perfect environment for termites to thrive in in your home. Learning more about their attractions, however, can help you guard your home against an infestation. Here are four common reasons termites might be attracted to your home:

Firewood/Piles of Wood Lying Close to Your Foundation

Some termite species, such as subterranean termites, need to move through wood or mud tubes to get to your house. Stacking firewood or piles of wood close to your house's foundation invites them to your home. It's recommended that you store wood piles away from your home's foundation and off the ground.

Bad Drainage 

Moisture creates an ideal condition for termites to thrive. Having a clogged gutter, leaky pipes and poor drainage creates an environment that is inviting to the dampwood and subterranean termites. Maintain a moisture-free environment by repairing any leaky pipes and AC units and diverting rainwater with proper downspouts and gutters. Having a dehumidifier in the house also helps to regulate the moisture levels, keeping your home dry.

Mulch and Unruly Gardening

Mulching is done in gardens or around the house to improve the kerb appeal. Mulch retains moisture, which is inviting to termites, and the wood chips are an attractive source of food for the pests. To minimize the likelihood of an infestation, use a substitute composite mulch or keep the wood chips away from your home's foundation.

Cracks on Your Home's Exterior

Fissures in your home's exterior walls allow termites, specifically subterranean termites, to create mud tubes that they use to invade your home. To prevent such invasions, patch up the cracks on your home's siding and exterior walls. 

By eliminating the attraction features in and around your home, you'll be sure to keep these destructive pests at bay, ideally preventing an attack before it happens. For the novice homeowner, however, hiring pest control professionals to have a termite home inspection done is still a prudent option that will enable you to catch an invasion early before any substantial damage is done.