Termites are some of the most destructive pests you can have in your home. Part of termite control is taking preventative measures. You can keep these insects out of your home by being aware of what attracts them and eliminating conditions that can lead to an infestation.

What Attracts Termites

There are three different basic categories of termites, each of which has varying needs. Subterranean termites live in moist soil and travel to reach the wood they eat. Drywood termites make their colonies inside the wood and need a separate source of water. Dampwood termites also live inside damp wood. If you have the right combination of wood and water sources, your home will attract them and make termite control difficult.

Termite Control Tips for Your Home

Termites mostly enter the home through walls and foundation cracks or through outdoor wood touching the house. If you have firewood or lumber outside, stack it at least five feet away from your foundation to keep termites from traveling from it to the house. Ideally, you shouldn't store it in contact with the ground to prevent the wood from becoming infested too.

Also, if you have plants and shrubs near the house, trim them back from the walls. If you want trellises outside the home, choose ones made of vinyl or aluminum, not wood. Schedule termite control treatment regularly if you have wooden structures like a deck or shed. Finally, watch out for leaking pipes, which provide a source of water for termites. In particular, watch for leaks that soak wooden cabinets, wall studs, furniture, or paper products, creating an ideal colony site for dampwood termites.

If you need an exterminator to perform a termite inspection, choose Bugout Termite & Pest Control Inc in Glen Burnie, MD. Serving the Baltimore Metro area for 30 years, they’ll identify any infestations or risk factors in your home, as well as offering professional termite control using green, non-chemical solutions. To schedule service, call (410) 760-6065 or visit their website.