Are You Attracting Termites To Your House?

Let’s hope you aren’t! Termites are nasty pests that cause 5 billion dollars worth of property damage every year, and we think it’s safe to say that you don’t want to be a part of that statistic. You probably know that termites are attracted to wood, but what you might not know is how your home and property might be welcoming termites onto your property.

Here at Patriot Pest Management, we help people with termite control all throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and we want to give you tips on what to look for around your home that might be attracting termites.

Moisture

Like everything else, termites need moisture to live. If they didn’t live in a damp environment, they wouldn’t be able to survive. Be sure your crawl space and basement are dry to prevent termites from living there.

Darkness

Lack of sunlight is one of the reasons that termites build their colonies below ground. Most termites are blind, and they use the darkness to hide from predators. Think of areas around your home that are usually dark and check there periodically for signs of termites.

Warmth

Termites can’t live in cold climates, which is why they don’t typically start swarming in our area until spring. If you never use an air conditioner in the spring or summer, be extra wary of termites.

Cellulose (Plant-based material)

Obviously, termites are attracted to wood, but they’re also attracted to items that wood creates. Books, wallpaper, cardboard, and anything made from trees will entice termites to your area.

Mulch

A lot of homeowners put mulch along the foundation of their home, but we highly advise against this. Mulch creates the perfect living environment for termites because it keeps things dark and moist. Leave at least 15 inches between your foundation and mulch to help keep termites away from your house.

Don’t Let Termites Destroy Your Home

These tips will help you understand what attracts termites, and what to do to protect your home. Termite infestations are the worst pest problem you could have, so we encourage everyone to take every precaution possible. If you want to be 100% sure you don’t have a termite problem, we can give you peace of mind with a professional termite inspection. We hope these tips provide you with the knowledge you need to prevent termites from living with you.