How Do You Attract Termites?

Termites ate termite-damaged wooden walls in the house.

Certain termite species, such as subterranean termites, can be found in Florida all year. These pests can cause significant damage to your property even on the hottest or coldest days of the year. To prevent termites, every homeowner must understand what attracts them and take appropriate precautions.

Termites prefer to settle near a food source (usually soft or rotting wood). Termites are drawn to wood piles on your property, especially if they are rotting or wet. Wood provides termites with food and a home for their colony. Check your property for any wood piles and consider placing them at least 20 feet away from your house, at least 5 inches off the ground.

Additional Termite Attractants

Landscaping is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your home. Unfortunately, some landscaping materials, such as mulch, will attract termites right to your home. Mulch, which is made up of wood chips, can retain moisture, making it an ideal food source for termites. Instead of mulch, consider using landscaping rocks. If you use mulch for landscaping, keep it at least 15 inches away from the foundation of your home.

When termites are looking for a way into your home, wood-to-soil contact is the most convenient entry point. Make certain that your wood siding does not extend below the soil grade. If the siding extends below the soil surface, remove it to leave a 6-inch inspection gap between the siding and the soil surface. When inspecting for termites, this ensures that any mud tubes produced by the termites are easily visible. Also, do not allow wood fences to come into direct contact with your home.