Termites can be some of the worst pests out there – causing over a billion dollars in property damage each year.  This damage is difficult to spot and when it is, it isn’t always covered by homeowner’s insurance. Every homeowner should take steps to reduce the risk of attracting termites and other wood-destroying insects.  Holistic Pest Solutions wants to offer you some tips on how to keep termites away from your home so they’re less likely to start eating it!

Remove Dead Wood and Other Debris

First, you’ll want to remove the source of food for termites, including wood.  If you like having wood piles near your home for wintertime fires or bonfires in the backyard in warmer weather, make sure it’s AWAY from your house.  We recommend 20 feet or more away from your foundation. This makes sense for more reasons than one (wood piles attract snakes and other wild animals as well as causing a fire hazard) and dead wood is a termites FAVORITE meal.  You should also remove any rotting tree stumps, tree branches and dead trees. Bottom line is, you want to get rid of any wood debris that doesn’t need to remain in your yard.

Keep Large Plants and Vegetation Away from Your Home

Plants can help beautify the exterior of your property, while also providing more food for termites. You should limit the use of plants along the foundation of your home.  You can have landscaping around your home, but try not to let it be right next to your foundation.

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Avoid the Use of Mulch Near Your Property

Mulch is often used as ground cover near flower beds and to help disperse rainwater. We know you want it and that it looks good and keeps your weeds down, but if you have a house with wood on it, it’s risky.  Its ability to retain moisture also makes it another prime food source for termites. If you keep plants away from your house, you shouldn’t need to use mulch near your home – other than to protect your basement from rain damage. If this is the case, you should think about replacing the mulch with river rock or gravel.  The rock or gravel won’t attract termites, offers the same rain-dispersing benefits, and lasts forever. It also won’t be blown away when you are blowing leaves in the Fall.

Keep Your Trees and Shrubs Trimmed

If you have trees, shrubs, or bushes growing near your home, you should keep them trimmed back. With shrubs and bushes that grow near the foundation, trim the back 2 to 3 feet from your property. The same is true with your trees. If there are branches extending toward your home, trim the away from the property.

Eliminate Moisture Around Your Property

Along with eliminating the food sources of termites, you should limit excess moisture around your property. This requires proper drainage. Keeping your plants and vegetable gardens away from the home should eliminate the need for irrigation near your home. You should also make sure that your downspouts and gutters are clear of debris. Use downspout extenders to direct rainwater away. This moisture rule is also VERY HELPFUL in avoiding attracting other pests who love moisture such as mosquitoes and ants.

You may also be interested in reading Does Wet Weather Affect Termite Infestation

Place Wooden Structures Several Inches from Your Home

The final landscaping tip for helping you keep termites out is to avoid placing wooden structures directly against your home. Decks and porches should be placed at least 2 inches from the house. This is close enough to the home that the gap doesn’t create a tripping hazard and far enough to keep pests away.

Some Signs You May Already Have Termites

You can take steps the above keep termites away from your home, but, if you’ve already noticed the signs of termites in or around your property, you should contact Holistic Pest Solutions and let us inspect your property and let you know if you have a problem. Signs might be structural damage, such as weakened floors or ceilings; exterior damage, such as a gritty film on wood surfaces. You may also notice muddy tubes running along walls.  Dry wood termites often appear inside wooden structures that they’ve burrowed into. You may see signs of these colonies along cracks or openings in wood walls or furniture.  Other signs include swollen floors or ceilings, buckling wood, and what appears to be water damage. Some people notice a moldy scent.  The signs of termite infestations need to be dealt with quickly. The sooner you act the less risk of a serious damage.

If you need to know more about how to keep termites away from your home or need termite control because they are already there, make an appointment for a FREE CONSULTATION.  We’ll access the situation and let you know what your next steps should be. CONTACT Holistic Pest Solutions to learn more about our treatment plans for termites – fill out our contact form on this website or give us a call at 434 842 1700, whichever is more convenient for you.  Whether you’re in Charlottesville, Waynesboro, or close by to either, Holistic Pest Solutions is mindful of our clients AND our Earth.

*Our Environmental Commitment:  Holistic Pest Solutions is committed to the preservation of our environment. Our goal is to nurture the soils and plant life of lawns and landscapes.  Utilizing holistic pest control practices that cause the least amount of impact on the environment.

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Tags: Holistic Pest Solutions, Preventing Invasive Pest and Plant Species