If there is one pest you don’t want infesting your home or property — it’s termites. This pest can cause thousands of dollars in damage and the worst part is that you won’t know there’s an infestation until it’s too late. The best thing you can do is alter your daily habits so your home won’t accidentally attract termites.
- Firewood – Cutting wood and stacking it for the upcoming cold season is a normal thing for people with wood burning stoves. However, these often damp wood piles are the perfect home for termites. Instead, stack your firewood on a raised slab at least 20 feet away from the house.
- Clogged Gutters – Make it a point to clean your gutters when they become clogged throughout the fall. Wet leaves and sticks can cause blockages which will then lead to pooling water and eventual water damage to your roof and attic. Having damp wood make up the structure of your home is an open invitation for termites.
- Mulch – This landscaping material is often used near walkways close to the house. Unfortunately, mulch is made from wooden materials and retains moisture easily. Avoid using any mulch made from wood and try to keep it away from the foundation of the house.
- Trees – A row of trees on the side of your home may look pretty, but they can be a bridge for termites to enter your home. Any termites that feed on these trees can easily travel from the tree to your home if they’re close enough. Avoid placing trees too close to your home and trim any tree limbs if they also extend too close.
- Misc. Wood – Any other type of wood on your property can also attract termites from underneath the soil. The most popular are old tree stumps that haven’t been removed. Old materials or debris from remodels should also be removed or placed on a raised slab away from the home.
Termites only need wood and moisture to survive, so if your property has both then you’re in BIG trouble. When you fear that your property might be infested by termites, contact Knockout Pest Control. To learn more, or to schedule an inspection, give us a call at (800) 244-7378.
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