What Could Be Attracting Termites to Your Home?

As homeowners, we all want our homes to be welcoming and cozy for guests. But there’s one kind of guest we definitely don’t want to invite in – termites. Termites are troublemakers that can cause a lot of damage to homes and businesses every year.

Since your home is probably your biggest investment, it’s essential to protect it. That means understanding what termites find attractive and how to keep them away. Here, we’ll share some tips on preventing termites from turning your home into their new hangout spot.

Termites really like wood. Depending on the kind of termite, they can be into dry wood or moist wood, and some don’t even care – they’ll chomp on any wood they find tasty. Sometimes, we unintentionally invite termites into our homes by bringing in firewood or untreated lumber. Even using wood for different things around the house can be an open invitation for these little critters.

Reasons Why You Have Termites At Home

Wood Mulch

Termites love wood mulch because it retains moisture, making it a tasty treat for them. If it touches the foundation of your home, it can give termites an easy way in. To lower your risk of termites, try using less wood mulch, and keep it away from your foundation. Check your mulch regularly for any signs of termites.

Landscaping Timbers

If you have landscaping timbers lying on the ground, they can become moist, making them a perfect hangout spot for termites. Using treated wood or alternatives like stones or bricks can prevent termite trouble.

Storing Wood Near the House

Storing wood, like firewood or piles of wood, close to your home is convenient, but it’s also convenient for termites to make their way into your house. It’s recommended to store firewood at least five inches above the ground and at least 20 feet away from the house.

Dead Trees and Stumps

In the wild, termites play a role in getting rid of dead wood. But when there’s dead stumps or trees in your yard, termites can set up camp there and later pay a visit to your house. It’s a smart move to clear away any dead wood from your yard before it becomes a termite hotspot.

Untrimmed Trees and Shrubs

When you don’t trim your trees and shrubs, you might be creating a termite highway. Tree limbs touching your roof or branches touching your wood siding can become pathways for termites to breach your home. Additionally, too many tree limbs can block sunlight from your roof, slowing down the evaporation of moisture.

Now, let’s talk about moisture. Termites not only like moisture – they need it to survive. They are fragile insects that can easily die if exposed to dry air. That’s why some termites use mud tubes to travel from their nests to your house, to keep themselves from drying out in the open air. There are sources of moisture in your home that you can control and that may be attracting termites.

Warning Signs For Termites:

Leaks and Excess Moisture:

If you have plumbing or air conditioning leaks, or if certain rooms in your home lack proper ventilation (like your bathroom or laundry room), the moisture can attract termites. Make sure to fix any leaks promptly and control the humidity in your home.

Poor Drainage:

Standing water due to poor drainage can also create a termite problem. Clogged gutters or improper yard grading can lead to water pooling, which is a magnet for termites. Prevent these issues by cleaning your gutters, directing downspouts away from your foundation, and ensuring your yard slopes away from your home.

Damp Crawl Spaces and Basements:

These spaces are often damp, making them ideal for termites. To prevent an infestation, waterproof your basement or crawl space and keep the humidity in check. Avoid storing items in cardboard boxes in these areas, as cardboard contains cellulose, which termites love to eat.

How can you tell if termites have taken a liking to your home? Look out for signs of a termite infestation. While you may not always spot the termites themselves, there are clues to watch for:

Swarming Termites: Keep an eye out for swarms of termites or their discarded wings around your home. This could indicate a termite presence.
Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel from their nest to your house for food. If you see these tubes on the exterior of your house, it’s a strong sign that termites have moved in.
Damaged Wood: Notice any wood that seems damaged or sounds hollow when you tap it? This could be a result of termite activity.
Small Holes: Sometimes, you might find small holes in your baseboards, wooden floors, or other wooden structures in your house. These can be a sign of termites at work.
Frass: Termites leave behind droppings called frass, which resembles sawdust. If you come across this around your home, it’s another indicator of termite activity.

What To Do Next?

If you observe any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek professional pest control services in Myrtle Beach. Termites can cause significant damage, so it’s best to address the issue promptly.

When you need termite treatment, it’s best to team up with experts known for top-notch termite control services. At Zap Pest Control Inc., we’re recognized for our expertise in termite control. We perform termite inspections to make sure your home is termite-free and work diligently to keep it that way.

Our team use treatments that are environmentally friendly and have a low impact on nature. Additionally, we diagnose and treat infestations with effective methods and unbeatable warranties, solving your termite problems efficiently. With our experienced team, advanced technology, and highly trained staff, we’re the leaders in termite control. We understand that your home is your most valuable asset, so we’re committed to delivering excellent service and implementing best practices to solve your termite issues.

Ready to take action against termites? Zap Pest Control Inc. help you keep your home termite-free. With our expertise and your vigilance, you can protect your investment and have peace of mind.