Exploring The Benefits Of Hiring Pest Control Experts

3 Common Items In Your Home That May Attract Termites

21 November 2017

Evan Patterson

Maintaining a home that is clean and valuable can be difficult at times. From mowing the lawn and washing windows to repairing leaky faucets, the challenging nature of home maintenance is easy to see. Unfortunately, you may not be placing enough emphasis on pest control. Considering they cause billions of dollars of structural damage each year in the United States, preventing termites from your home is imperative. While they do feed off and live on wood, termites are attracted to other things in and around your home. Here are a few common items in your household that may be attracting termites:

Moisture

First and foremost, it is important to note that all pests are attracted to moisture, which can be found in various areas in and out of your home.

Reduce any standing water around your home, as well. Remove unused pots, planters, toys, and decorative items that may be holding water.

Since residue and water can build up on the roof and around your foundation, be sure to clean your gutters regularly. This will reduce the moisture content around your home.

Your crawlspace should be sealed or have a vapor barrier installed. This will reduce moisture and humidity in the home. Controlling humidity inside your home is also important. Consult a heating and air technician to ensure your system is capable of heating and cooling while removing humidity from the indoor air.

Firewood/Lumbar

To get started, avoid storing any type of wood too close to your home. Firewood and lumbar for work or hobbies should all be stored away from the home.

Your firewood and project lumbar should also remain dry at all times. Store this wood in a shed or a covered shelter to reduce moisture that may attract termites and other pests.

Mulch

Landscaping is an important part of your home's curb appeal and value, but you may not realize certain elements are attracting pests to your home.

If you are like most homeowners, you will install flowerbeds and natural areas around your home's exterior. These areas are almost always filled with landscaping mulch that services as a backdrop for your flowers and shrubs while helping trap moisture in to keep your plants healthy and strong.

Unfortunately, this mulch is also very appealing to termites because it is not only made of wood, but it is also capable of holding in moisture. To reduce the risk of termites, be sure the mulch is not too close to your home's foundation. If possible, invest in rubber mulch, which offers a similar attractive look without the use of wood. Preventing termites is possible, but you must learn what these pests are attracted to. This guide and a professional's help will ensure your home is free of these damaging pests.

Contact a company like Fowler Pest Control for more information and assistance. 

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