Everyone fears getting termites, they are one of the greatest and costliest threats to your home. If you want to do everything you can to avoid an infestation read the tips below!

Keep Wood and Cellulose Away From the Home

During the winter it can seem like an easy and convenient solution to stack your woodpile against the house. If you think about if for a minute you might realize how this could bring Termites right up to your door. It will also allow them to sneak around your current termite treatment. So never store your wood in a crawlspace, and always put your woodpile a couple of yards away from your house. Also be wary of any other cellulose around your homes like paper products and cardboard, as these can also attract termites all year round.

Keep Water and Moisture Under Control and Away From the Foundation

A small leak or messed-up drainage can easily create the Moisture that termites need to thrive in your home.  Ensure that all downspouts are pointed away from the home and that any driplines aren’t creating puddles around the foundation. Two of the less well-known sources of moisture for termites are clogged gutters and leaves stuck to the roof. Rainwater can collect in gutters and leaves hold moisture as they begin to decay both create an ideal place for termites. These conditions can lead to a very scary concept, an ariel termite infestation. This is common in areas with Formosan termites.

Don’t Let Mulch Touch the Foundation

Mulch can be a great way to elevate your garden and make it look fuller, but it can also collect moisture and create ideal conditions for termites to thrive. Be sure to keep mulch pushed back about 4-6 inches from your foundation and never let it touch the wood siding.

Keep Tree Limbs Away from Your Home

Limbs from trees or bushes that touch your home can allow for moisture to collect, as well as creating bridges for several pests including termites. Trees that grow over your home can also drop leaves onto your roof clogging gutters and creating moisture problems that can bring about an ariel termite infestation

Regular Inspections and Treatments

The tips above are good for preventing termites but they should be combined with termite treatments. For much of the Southeast termite infestations are an inevitability, not if but when. Contact your local pest control today.