Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
Termites, the silent destroyers, can wreak havoc on your home without you even noticing until it’s too late. Termites have an insatiable appetite for cellulose, which is abundant in wood, making it their favorite food source. Their feeding activity continues ceaselessly, day and night, throughout the year. These tiny insects cause structural damage and pose a significant threat to your property. Once termites infiltrate your home or property, they embark on a relentless journey, devouring everything in their path. In this article, we will explain how you’re attracting termites to your home and provide essential tips on how to prevent infestations.
Though termites can cause damage to structures around your property, there are conditions that attract them to your home.
These conditions include:
- Moisture
- Bad Drainage
- Mulch and Gardens
- Landscaping timbers
- Firewood and woodpiles
- Dead trees and stumps
- Tree limbs close to the home.
Prevention Tips:
Reduce Moisture
Termites are often drawn to areas where moisture accumulates, such as air conditioning systems, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and places with improper gutter drainage. To prevent termite infestations, it is essential to ensure that there are no leaks in these areas and that you maintain a vigilant check on excessive moisture build-up in your bathroom and laundry room. Clogged gutters or improper drainage can lead to the formation of stagnant pools of water in the insulation, rendering it vulnerable to pest infestations. Ensure proper drainage around your home and fix any leaks promptly. Consider installing a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces to reduce moisture levels.
Remove Wooden Debris
Mulch is commonly used around homes, gardens, or near the foundation for landscaping purposes. However, it can become a tempting feast for termites if not handled with care. The wood chips in mulch retain moisture, creating an environment that encourages these pesky insects to thrive. To safeguard against potential termite infestations, inspect and monitor the mulched areas regularly. Keep the mulched material at least 15 inches away from your house’s foundations to prevent termites from finding their way in and causing an infestation. Being diligent about mulch placement can significantly reduce the risk of termite-related problems around your property. But mulch is not the only wooden debris that needs to be watched. Landscaping timbers can also attract termites simply because they are usually kept on the ground. This allows them to get wet and attracts termites. Be careful with landscape timbers and make sure you keep an eye on them for evidence of termites. Firewood/woodpiles and dead trees and stumps can also attract termites. Keep firewood, lumber, and other wooden debris away from your home’s foundation. To minimize the risk of termite infestations, maintain a distance of at least 20 feet between the wood and your home. When stacking wood, ensure it is at an even height, leaving about 5 inches of space between the pile and the ground. If you must store wood, elevate it off the ground on something other than a wooden object, and cover it to prevent termites from accessing it.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Regularly inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and openings, especially in the foundation, and seal them with caulk or other suitable materials to deny termites entry points. While concrete is typically poured correctly, it can develop cracks as it settles over time. Though the presence of cracks in concrete is not an indication of termite infestations, it is still something of which to be aware. Even a tiny crack in concrete can allow the termites easy access to the cellulose that they desire. Sealing leaks and cracks is important as is applying a liquid pesticide that creates a chemical termite barrier around the structure to keep termites away.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Arrange for annual termite inspections by a pest control professional to detect any early signs of infestation, and implement preventive measures. This is a fairly inexpensive way to help prevent costly termite damage. While you can inspect your home yourself, it is better to rely on a professional who knows exactly what to look for.
Termites can quietly infiltrate your home, causing substantial damage before you even notice their presence. By being vigilant and removing things that attract termites to your home, you can take proactive steps to prevent termites from becoming a nightmare. Regular maintenance, moisture control, and professional inspections are essential in keeping your home termite-free and protecting its structural integrity for years to come.
If you suspect termites or simply need an inspection, give AAA Termite & Pest Control a call at (901) 457-1117. We’ve been trusted with protecting homes in Memphis and the Mid-South for more than 50 years.