Acquiring a termite infestation is one of the worst things that can happen to your home. Therefore, it’s important to do everything in your power to prevent one from manifesting itself in or around your house. With that being said, let’s talk about mulch.
Does Mulch Attract Termites?
Yes, mulch does, in fact, attract termites. However, it’s not just wood mulch that attracts these destructive pests — it’s any type of mulch! Don’t be confused, here’s why: While termites do like wood, they are attracted to the moisture that thick mulch can provide as it lies on your property. Termites and other insects will house themselves underneath this thick layer of mulch, which can put your home at risk in the near future.
Mulch Tips You Should Know
To prevent termites from moving from your mulch to your home, utilize the following tips:
- Leave Some Space – Since mulch creates the perfect living conditions for termites (and other insects), don’t let it touch your home. Make sure there’s a one-foot gap between the mulch and your foundation. Also, make sure there is a six-inch gap between the mulch on the ground and the siding (from a height perspective).
- Keep Water Away – You don’t want termites to transfer from the mulch to your house, so keep your house dry. Don’t allow the side of your house and foundation to get wet from the hose or your sprinkler system. Doing this would be leading the termites right to the holy grail.
- Rake Regularly – First things first, don’t lay out more than two-inches of mulch if your property is constantly wet. From here, you also want to keep up with your property maintenance. In this instance, this would involve raking your mulch around to allow it to air out and dry up any moisture.
Termites can cost you a fortune — make sure your mulch isn’t the cause of this ugly infestation. When you have a termite infestation and you need it removed, contact Knockout Pest Control. To learn more or to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
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