What Attracts Termites to a House?

Termites can be good for some environments. They’ve been shown to increase the survival chances of trees in rainforests. Termites aren’t good news, though, for homeowners.

But what attracts termites to a house? Well, this mainly depends on the type of termite. Each is attracted to different types of wood and different conditions.

Keep reading to find out what attracts termites and some things you can do to avoid attracting termites.

What Attracts Termites to Your Home

Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and soil and create nests with the same material. Termite infestations are much more common in homes that have wood that isn’t maintained correctly. While untreated wood is an easier target for termites, it’s not exactly what’s attracting them to your home.

The Eastern Subterranean termite, one of the most common, is most attracted to moist areas. They usually build nests in moist soil, where they also often find enough cellulose to survive. However, they’re heavily drawn to any kind of moist wood. So, any wood that makes direct contact with soil is a prime target and strongly attracts this type of termite.

Any moisture or standing water on a property is an opportunity for infestation. This is especially true if the home has a basement or similar underground or near-ground structures.

Mistakes That Attract Termites

Unless you’re using effective termite control methods, there are a few things you could be doing to attract termites. These are common and often overlooked mistakes, but they’re easy to fix. First, you have to consider the different sources of wood that might be lying around the property. Then, you have to check the roof and basement for any potential issues.

Sources of Wood

Besides the wood from the home itself, you might have overlooked a few other sources that are easy to get rid of. Outdoor wood piles are a convenient way to store wood for later use, but they’re a popular target for termites. If you can’t find an alternative storage space, your best bet is to place the wood stack as far from your home as possible, limiting how close a termite nest can get to your home.

You should also clear tree stumps and mulch from your property, if possible. Tree stumps, in fact, are probably what attract termites to your home the most. Mulch is also a serious problem, considering it’s usually close to your home’s foundation, offering a perfect and direct entrance to the most vulnerable part of the house.

Roof and Basement Check

Make sure to double-check your basement and roof, as well. Clear your gutters regularly, as the moisture can draw in termites, and ensure any trees near your home aren’t touching any surface. Termites use trees to get onto your roof.

Basements are problematic because they often hold onto moisture. If you can keep your basement dry, you can protect the wooden supports and are more likely to prevent a termite infestation.

What Are Termites Attracted To?

So, what attracts termites the most? Essentially any moist wood that’s close to the soil. To reduce the likelihood of a termite infestation, it’s a good idea to clear any wood stacks, trunks, and mulch from the property. Also, don’t forget to double-check if any trees make contact with the side or roof of your house, and keep your basement as dry as possible.

Make sure to reach out if you need termite treatment, inspection, or prevention. We offer the best termite treatment while also reducing the impact on the environment!

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