Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can take up residence within your home, as they can quickly tear their way through wooden materials and surfaces and leave them structurally damaged. This can represent a large additional cost on top of the cost of pest removal. There are a few different things that can attract termites into your home. Understanding what they are can help you adjust to reduce the risk that termites may find their way inside before any damage actually occurs.

Mulch

Placing mulch near the side of your home is an open invitation for termites and other pests to take up residence, as the wood provides a great environment for them to begin a colony. Colonies close to the side of your home can quickly spread into your siding and foundation, and from there to the rest of your home. To prevent this from happening, either avoid applying mulch around the edges of your home and save it for the base of particular plants and in flowerbeds, or switch the mulch around your home out for a rubber or other non-wood alternative.

Firewood Storage

In a very similar vein to the above point, having a stack of firewood stored near the side of your home can provide the perfect pathway for termites to enter the interior. Proper firewood storage, by using a rack that keeps it off of the ground and covering it with a tarp, can help prevent termites from getting into your firewood, but the best way to prevent termites from entering your home if you have to store firewood in your yard is to make sure that you store any chopped wood several yards away from the side of your home. Taking care to knock logs together to shake out any pests which may be living within the wood itself is also a good call before you bring the wood inside your home.

Tree Trimming

Trees and other plant life that overhangs your roof can quite literally provide a bridge for termites to get into your attic and roof if the tree gets infected. Further, organic debris like leaves and sticks which can collect on your roof and in your gutters can provide the perfect environment for termites to take up residence (not to mention causing all sorts of damage and drainage issues to your roof and gutters). Trimming back your trees can prevent both of these problems from occurring and can keep termites at bay.

Be sure to contact termite pest control services as soon as you notice termites within your home. Early detection and removal can help ensure that none of the wooden surfaces in your home become damaged.