How You May Be Welcoming Termites into Your Home

As a Northern Virginia homeowner, your property is one of your biggest investments. However, a termite invasion can quickly and quietly destroy your home’s value. Preventing termite damage begins with understanding termites, what they eat and key signs of an infestation. Here are some things you could be doing that are attracting termites into your home.

What Attracts Termites?

In general, termites create colonies near sources of food. Because termites eat soft or rotting wood, they usually seek moist places or places where decayed wood is present. Homes and the surrounding property can become prime environments for termite colonies if wood is not treated or maintained. These situations encourage termites to move from their natural habitats into developed areas.

Here are some DIY things you can do to prevent a termite problem from developing in your home.

• Stack piles of wood: Firewood and woodpiles can attract termites, drawing them closer to your home. Then, termites will migrate from the piles of wood to the housing structure, causing a great deal of damage inside. To avoid a termite invasion, stack wood 20 feet away from your home and keep it at least five inches off the ground.
• Clear out excess foliage: Dead trees and stumps attract termites as they rot. Termites will migrate from this excess foliage to your home. To prevent this, clear stumps and dead trees from your yard.
• Trim tree limbs: Tree limbs and leaves that touch the roof can attract termites to your home. These branches give termites a pathway from the ground to your house. Regular tree trimming can dissuade termites from migrating to your roof.
• Keep mulch 15 inches from foundation: Similar to tree limbs, mulch can draw termites closer to your home. The wood chips retain moisture, providing an attractive food source. Lower your likelihood of developing a termite problem, especially in your home’s foundation, by keeping mulch at least 15 inches from your foundation.
• Clean gutters: As leaves and twigs build up in your gutters, the excess moisture softens or rots your roof. These soft spots allow termites to penetrate your home. Clean gutters lower the opportunities for termites to invade by preventing a soft or rotting roof.

Do You Have Termites?

Several key clues signal that termites may have created a colony in your home. Even if you don’t spot an actual termite, they could quickly and quietly damage your property. Although they may seem small, homeowners should immediately consult a professional upon finding wings termites shed, mud tubes used to commute between the food source and main colony, small brown droppings known as “frass,” and/or structural damage to the exterior of the home.

Schedule Termite Treatment Today!

Homeowners should schedule termite inspections during three key times. First, prospective home buyers should consult a pest control service during the purchasing process. An inspection can reveal termite damage, allowing for treatment and repairs during negotiation. Second, homeowners should schedule a professional inspection every 3 to 5 years. These inspections can stop an infestation early or prevent future infestations by advising changes to the home and landscaping. Third, anyone who has had a termite treatment in the past should schedule ongoing, preventative termite renewal.

Call Us to Help You Get Rid of Pests or Rodents!

Have a termite, pest, or rodent problem in your home? At Alexandria Pest Services, our trained professionals will analyze your pest control needs and come up with a personalized plan for your household. Our team of expert technicians will provide a free inspection and work to create a plan to eliminate your pests. At Alexandria Pest Services, we help homeowners just like you get rid of pests in their homes all year round. If you find that you are having a problem with insects or pests, and need an exterminator, call Alexandria Pest Services at 703-923-0925 to schedule a professional evaluation. We can help you get rid of these invaders in your home or office!

We hope you and your loved ones stay well and healthy during this time. We are open and following all CDC regulations. Please call us today for all of your pest control needs!