If an exterminator has recently performed a termite treatment to remove an infestation from your home, stay vigilant, and take the necessary steps to keep your residence insect-free. Here are a few changes you can make around your property to make it less attractive to these bugs.

How to Prevent Termites From Returning

1. Eliminate Moisture

Termites thrive in moist conditions, so keep the in- and the outside of your home dry. Repair leaking pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units, and use a dehumidifier in damp areas, like the laundry room or bathroom. Gutters should be draining properly so that water doesn’t pool around your foundation—this is where termites are most likely to enter. If you have water features on your lawn, like birdbaths or fountains, change the water consistently or make sure it stays moving to prevent bugs from gathering near it.

2. Keep Plants Away

Avoid placing greenery near your home’s foundation—termites can live in these plants and infiltrate your house. Keep all plants, shrubs, and trees trimmed and at least two to three feet away from the foundation. If you want to add flowers to enhance the landscaping, put them in a plastic or metal box so that they’re completely contained.

3. Clean Up Outside

Dead tree stumps should be removed because termites are attracted to decaying wood. These pests are also drawn to mulch because it retains moisture, so swap it with a different material, like gravel. You should also trim the trees so that branches aren’t touching your house. Insects will use the limbs as a bridge to infiltrate your living spaces.

If you’ve recently eradicated an infestation, keep the pests away by working with the exterminators at Aloha Termite & Pest Control in Wahiawa, HI. These licensed exterminators will perform regular maintenance visits to identify and address potential termite lures before a colony forms. Visit their website to learn how you can identify these pests, or call (808) 622-2268 to schedule a free inspection.