Certain termite species, such as subterranean termites, are active year-round in Florida. Even on the hottest or coolest days of the year, these pests can cause considerable damage to your property. To prevent termites, every homeowner needs to know what can attract them to take certain precautions.
Termites tend to colonize near a food source (usually soft or rotting wood). Wood piles throughout your property are a major termite attraction, especially if they are rotting or wet. Wood provides termites with a supply of food and a place for their colony. Check throughout your property for any wood piles, consider placing them at least 20 feet from your home, elevating them at least 5 inches off the ground.
Other Common Termite Attractants
Landscaping is a great way to make your home aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately, some materials used for landscaping, such as mulch, will attract termites right to your home. Compromised of wood chips, mulch can retain moisture, making it a perfect food source for termites. Consider using landscaping rocks instead of mulch. If you use mulch for landscaping, place it at least 15 inches away from your home’s foundation.
When termites search for a place to enter your home, wood-to-soil contact is the easiest entry point. Ensure that your wood siding does not go below the grade of soil. If the siding goes below, remove it to leave a 6-inch inspection gap between your siding and the soil surface. This ensures that any mud tubes produced by the termites can easily be seen when inspecting for termites. Also, don’t let wood fences contact your home directly.
Request a Free Termite Control Quote from McCall
Termites can be extremely difficult to detect, prevent, and eliminate once they are established. If you suspect or discover that you have a termite problem in Florida, or want to get ahead of the prevention game, request your free quote today!
