Are You Attracting Termites?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, termites damage 600,000 homes a year, which causes over $40 billion in damages.
If you want to avoid having to pay hundreds of dollars in termite damages, it is recommended to know what attracts termites to your home, what causes termites to invade your home, trees that attract termites and if light attracts termites so you can take the necessary preventative measures.
Thankfully, we’ll tell you all of the things to be aware of, so keep reading!
What Causes Termites To Invade Your Home
1. Wood
Wood is a termite’s main source of food, and if you have large piles of it, the termites will start matching toward your home.
Once they’re done eating through the piles of wood, they’ll turn to the next source of wood: your home. So if you’re going to stack wood outside, make sure that you stack it at least twenty feet away from your home.
You should also make sure that no wood is touching your home because the termites move through wood and soil to get into your house.
That means if you have wood touching or near the foundation of your home, the termites can easily infest your home.
Trees That Attract Termites
- Dead and rotted trees are a prime target. It does not matter what type of tree it is.
- Deciduous leafy trees that change color and loose leaves for the winter.
- Palm trees found in the Gulf coast are prone to subterranean termite attacks.
- Fruit trees particularly peach and mango trees.
2. Moisture
Moisture also attracts termites. Moist areas in your home might include a damp basement, your laundry room, bathrooms, or even walls that have a plumbing issue.
The termites get attracted to the water that’s stagnant in your home. To avoid this, make sure that you fix any plumbing problems immediately and don’t let them get any worse. If you have a room that is more humid than others, make sure that you get a dehumidifier or fix the issue.
3. Where You Live
The location of where you live could also be a cause of termites.
Termites are very common in the South and Gulf-coast states, so you have to be extra careful if you own a home somewhere there. However, termites live in almost every state except Alaska.
If you do own a home where termites frequently live, check out the United States Forest Service’s map of Termite Infestation Probability. This will help you determine how at-risk you are to getting a termite problem.
4. Clutter Outside
Besides having piles of wood, landscaping clutter outside can also attract them.
For example, if you have leaves or tree limbs touching your roof, you’re building a bridge for them to come to your home and start eating through your roof.
Mulch is also a common problem for termites. The wood chips can contain moisture, which makes it perfect for termites who love damp wood. If you are going to have mulch in your hard, make sure that you keep it far away from your house.
5. Does Light Attract Termites
The answer is, yes and because they are attracted to light, they will gravitate toward doors, windows and light fixtures.
Learn More About What Attracts Termites To Your Home
Are you still trying to figure out what attracts termites to your home, what causes termites to invade your home, trees that attract termites and still wondering, does light attract termites? Get in touch with the expert professional pest control company to help you learn more.
While you can’t always prevent it, you should make sure you watch out for signs of an infestation. If you notice an infestation, make sure that you hire a pest control professional as soon as possible.
Thankfully, we have plenty of experience with getting rid of termites. Make sure you contact us today if you notice termites in your home!
