5 Ways You Could Be Attracting Termites Unknowingly

There are plenty of ways for termites to unknowingly enter your home and cause destruction. 

Let’s look at some of the most common causes of termite infestations and what you can do to prevent them. 

Key Takeaways

• Termites are attracted to homes by common things like mulch, firewood, and even excess moisture.
• You can take simple steps to prevent termites from infesting your home like moving firewood piles away from the house and trimming nearby branches.
• If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a pest control professional immediately to stop the problem from getting any worse.

5 Ways You Might Be Attracting Termites

The last thing you want is a termite infestation. Unfortunately, there are several things we do on a daily basis that can unwittingly attract these pests. To help you avoid an infestation, here are five ways you could be attracting termites without even realizing it. 

Mulch 

It looks so beautiful in flower beds, spread around trees and shrubs, and even laid down in paths. But did you know that mulch can also attract pesky termites?

Mulch is made up of wood chips and other organic materials. Termites love wood, and they don’t discriminate between the kind found in your backyard or the kind found in your home. 

As soon as they detect a food source nearby—like the mulch you’ve spread around your yard—they’ll swarm to it with gusto. And if there’s enough food for termites (i.e., lots of fresh mulch), then chances are they’ll stick around for a while. 

Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of having termites infest your home: 

First and foremost, avoid using excessive amounts of mulch near your house. A little bit goes a long way, so try to use as little as possible near the foundation of your home or anywhere else it may come into contact with wood surfaces. 

Keep an eye out for signs of an infestation. If you notice any mud tubes on wood surfaces or swarms of tiny flying insects near window sills or doors, then you should immediately call a professional pest control company to investigate further. 

Finally, professional pest control companies can install chemical barriers around the exterior walls of your home that will help prevent termite infestations from occurring in the first place by creating an invisible barrier that termites won’t cross over into your home’s interior space.  

Firewood and/or Woodpiles

Firewood is a great way to warm up and cozy up your home during the cooler months. But did you know that in addition to providing warmth and comfort, firewood can also bring unwelcome visitors into your home? 

The main reason why firewood attracts termites is because it’s made of cellulose—the same material that most types of termites feed on.

Firewood is also attractive to termites because it provides them with a place to live and hide. So when you stack firewood up against the side of your house or in the backyard, what you’re essentially doing is offering termites a free invitation into your home! 

The best way to prevent termites from entering your home via firewood is to store it away from your house. If possible, try to keep it at least 20 feet away from any structures on your property.

It’s also important to keep wood piles off the ground so that they don’t get wet or accumulate moisture which could attract more termites. 

Finally, make sure that all wood piles are covered with some type of tarp so that they stay dry and protected from any other potential pests. 

Tree Stumps

Tree stumps are an ideal environment for termites because they provide them with food and shelter—two necessities for their survival. As the wood from the tree stump begins to decay, it releases sugars and starches that nourish the insects. 

Plus, the hollowed-out center of the stump provides a safe place for them to build their colonies. So if you have a tree stump in your yard (or nearby), you could be at risk for a termite infestation. 

If there is a tree stump near your home, try removing it as soon as possible; this will eliminate their food source and make it less likely they will attempt to enter your home.

You should inspect all wooden structures on your property (e.g., fences or decks) regularly for signs of damage; if you spot any cracks or holes, take action quickly by sealing them up with caulk or another type of sealant to prevent termites from getting inside.

Moisture

It only takes a little moisture to create the ideal environment for termites. So it’s important to identify and eliminate sources of moisture wherever possible.

Moisture can come from the ground surrounding your home. This can be due to poorly draining soil or an accumulation of water near your foundation walls. Consider installing gutters and downspouts to keep rainwater from pooling. 

Another source of moisture can be inside your home, such as a leaking pipe or faucet, or condensation on windows and other surfaces. Be sure to check all plumbing fixtures for leaks and repair them promptly. A dehumidifier can also help reduce indoor humidity levels that may encourage termite infestations. 

Your HVAC system is another potential source of moisture in your home. Inspect ductwork regularly for signs of condensation or leaks, as these could indicate a problem with the system itself or with insulation that surrounds it.

If you find any evidence of moisture buildup, contact a qualified HVAC technician right away in order to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem down the line! 

Tree Branches

Unfortunately, if there are tree branches near your house, you may be inviting a termite infestation without even knowing it.

Believe it or not, tree branches are like little highways for termites. These pests use the branches as pathways to get from one place to another, especially when they’re looking for a new place to set up shop. And where better than the cozy confines of your home? 

If there are tree branches that are close enough to your house, then these pests will have easy access into your dwelling. 

The good news is that it’s relatively easy to prevent an infestation if you can identify areas of risk and address them accordingly. 

For example, if there are any trees close enough to your home that their branches could provide easy access for termites, then those trees should be trimmed back or removed entirely. This will create a buffer between the termites and your home and reduce the likelihood of an infestation occurring.

Questions Others Are Asking 

How do I permanently get rid of termites?

There are a number of ways to get rid of termites, but not all of them are permanent solutions. One popular method is to use baits, which lure the termites into a treated area where they will be exposed to a poison.

However, this method only works if the termites are actively feeding on the bait, so it may need to be replenished on a regular basis. If you want a permanent solution, the best option is to have your home treated with an exterminator that specializes in termite removal. 

What scents are termites attracted to?

Termites are most often attracted to the scent of wood because they primarily feed on wood. The scent of wood will usually lead them right to your doorstep.

Other scents that termites may be attracted to include the scent of other insects, the scent of decaying organic matter, and the scent of sweeter things like fruits and honey.