What makes your house attractive to termites?
Clark, your neighborly pest control, lawn care, and termite control expert, has seen many California homes fall prey to damage caused by destructive subterranean termites. And in many instances, overlooking basic household maintenance tasks can lead to issues with these wood-destroying insects.
Termites are aggressive, relentless pests that feed around-the-clock. In addition to the wood that makes up the structural framing of your home, termites are attracted by excess moisture, wood that is contact with foundations or soil, and cracks and openings in the foundation and siding. Even if your home is built with brick or vinyl, termites can bypass the exterior to enter and feed on ceilings, floors, cabinets, furniture – and even cardboard boxes or canvases.
What attracts termites to your house?
- More water, more problems: Termites need moisture to survive. And while fixing a leaking faucet or repairing broken irrigation heads are not on the weekend “fun things to do” lists of many homeowners, staying on top of these tasks can keep termites from targeting your home. Leaky pipes and faucets, improper drainage, and poor airflow all create moisture issues that attract destructive subterranean termites.
- Wood in contact with soil: Subterranean termites need to move through wood or soil to get inside structures, and wood in contact with the foundation of a home provides a highway for termites looking for their next meal. Old tree stumps, fence posts, wood siding, or any rotting wood material (e.g., a stack of newspapers or cardboard boxes) is the fuel termites feed off.
- Easy does it with mulch: A fresh layer of mulch adds to the aesthetic appeal of a home’s landscape, but it can also serve as a source of food and moisture for termites. The use of wood mulch around a home’s foundation should be kept at a minimum and at least 15 inches from the foundation.
- Trim the trees: Tree limbs touching a home’s roof can provide an easy pathway for termites (and other pests) seeking to gain access to a house. Keep trees and other landscape vegetation properly trimmed.
- Nooks and crannies: Termites only need the slightest of openings – experts say 1/32 of an inch – in a home’s foundation, gap in siding, or around door or window frames to gain access. Subterranean termites will build mud tubes in these openings and use them to move inside. Sealing these openings with appropriate materials will help deny termites a way inside.
- Firewood and woodpiles: Many people keep firewood stacked against their homes for easy access. However, doing so can draw termites toward the home and provide a point of entry. Store firewood and woodpiles at least 20 feet away from the home, and if possible, store wood raised at least five inches from the ground.
You should ask about Clark Pest Control’s exclusive Termite Infestation Program (T.I.P.), which ism designed to cover your home from future infestations and damages. A full termite inspection must be done to see if your home will qualify, and then, for a small monthly fee, you can avoid costly out-of-pocket treatment and repair expenses.
Are you concerned about termites threatening your home? Pest control has been deemed an essential service during the COVID-19 crisis by the state of California, so feel free to call or text California’s trusted pest management expert, Clark, at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or send an email to clarkcares@clarkpest.com. We are ready to help solve your termite and pest issues.
Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home. Stay safe and be well.
Clark Pest Control public health statement
CLARK CARES
The number-one priority at Clark Pest Control is protecting the world where our employees and customers live, work, and play. We are closely monitoring the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and our top priority is keeping our employees and customers safe. Our organization has had a longstanding partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has spawned multiple public health and educational initiatives involving pest-related health risks. In addition to following the guidance of the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), we already have policies and procedures in place across our business to address issues that may arise during this outbreak and potential pandemic events.