Termites can be attracted to homes in a variety of ways, and how to stop them before it’s too late can help to prevent termite infestations before they start.

Spring has brought termites to a flurry of activity. Even though there are only a few types of termites in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana that need to be considered, each one can severely damage your home. To prevent a termite infestation, it’s important to know what steps you can take to keep them at bay.

Homeowners who see indications of these wood-destroying pests on or around their home should call a Rove Pest Control professional who can best identify the scope of the problem and provide an effective treatment plan.

Homeowners may keep their property safe from termites by avoiding the following things:

• Firewood is being stacked near the house. Termites are particularly attracted to firewood, and having it too close to the house might draw them inside. Firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from the house and five feet off the ground.

• Inadequate drainage. Termites love water, and clogged gutters provide the ideal environment for them to accumulate it. Use downspout extenders to divert precipitation away from your home’s foundation, and keep your gutters free of leaves and debris regularly.

• Mulch in excess. Although mulch adds beauty to your yard, it also serves as a feed for termites and holds moisture. Mulch should be used sparingly and kept at least 15 inches away from the home’s foundation.

• The home is surrounded by trees. Termites looking for a new colony site can use tree limbs and leaves to get to your house.

• There is a lot of timber in the yard. Termites love rotting wood, so make sure you get rid of any logs or tree stumps on your property.

What are the symptoms of termite infestation?

Termites frequently leave behind evidence of their existence in your home. Termite swarmers that find a partner shed their wings, indicating the presence of termites. You may also notice mud tubes on your property, which termites use to travel back and forth from their food supply to the main colony. Termites leave microscopic brown droppings known as “frass,” which mimic wood particles or sawdust and are telltale evidence of termites. 

If you see any termite presence signs, call an experienced pest control company right away to evaluate the situation.