As the weather gets warmer, termites are becoming a big threat to people's homes as those termites get out of their underground nests to forage. Many risk factors increase the likelihood that a given home will attract termites when compared to another home. This article discusses some of those factors that can make your house a magnet for termites. Use this information to address the risk factors that may make your house vulnerable to a termite attack.

Proximity of Firewood to the Foundation

As winter progresses, many homeowners may feel an inclination to bring their stock of firewood closer to the house. This step can have a negative effect on the house when termites discover that woodpile that you have kept close to the house. Several termite colonies may end up foraging on the wooden elements of the house in addition to the firewood that you kept close to the house. It is therefore advisable to store firewood as far away from the foundation of your house as possible so that termites do not get close to your home.

How Well Sprinklers Were Installed

Observe your sprinkler system when it is watering your lawn. Does it soak part of the external walls of your house? That water reaching the walls may make your home more likely to be attractive to termites. Termites move in search of food and water. The moist exterior walls can provide for the moisture needs of termites. The termites may end up laying a pheromone trail to your house so that other termites in the colony can find their way to that water source. This can result in the termites damaging your house as they consume the water within the exterior walls. Make sure that you adjust the settings of your sprinkler system so that it does not soak up the walls of your house.

The Presence of Mulch

Any mulch that is close to a house can expose that house to termite attacks. The mulch serves two important purposes for termites. First, it is a source of food. Secondly, it provides a shaded area under which the termites can tunnel their way into your house's foundation. Avoid this termite magnet by ensuring that mulch is several meters away from the house.

How Well Gutters are Working

Poorly installed or poorly maintained gutters can cause water to splash onto the house's exterior walls. The water can also overflow onto the soil or lawn close to the house. Such water can attract termites, as already mentioned. It is therefore necessary for you to make sure that all gutters are free from debris so that water flows freely through the roof drainage system.

Use the tips above in addition to an active termite prevention system, such as treating the soil around the foundation of your house against termites so that you protect your investment from those destructive pests.

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