From potential damage to your home that is overwhelming and costly to the risk of mold growth that is dangerous to your health and wellness, it is easy to see the damaging nature of termites in your home. Unfortunately, most homeowners are not familiar with certain things that are actually attracting termites to their houses. Here are a few surprising termite magnets that may be lingering around your home.

Mulch

Used as a filler around trees, shrubs, and flowers, this landscaping element adds appeal while trapping in moisture that your plants need to survive and thrive. While it may seem like a necessity, wood mulch close to your home may be placing your house at risk of a termite infestation.

Of course, it is important to note that termites and other pests are not in the actual mulch. However, they are most likely living in the soil of the ground that you are covering with mulch. Termites will use the mulch as cover, tunneling around the exterior and interior of your house.

Most experts do not recommend the use of mulch close to your home, but adding a buffer between the actual landscaping bed and your foundation can help reduce the risk of termite damage. A strip of bare dirt measuring a foot or more should provide a good buffer between the mulch and your home's foundation.

You should avoid applying an excess amount of water to the mulch and protective buffer, as well. When watering your plants, less is more because the mulch remains moist for longer periods of time.

Trees

Another part of your landscape design that may be attracting termites are trees that are lingering too close to your home's exterior. Termites, among other insects, hide and live in trees that are shady and moist. Over time, these pests can move from the tree branches and limbs to the exterior and roof of your home.

If you are considering planting a few trees in your yard, avoid planting them too close to your home's exterior. Be sure to take their future growth into consideration.

If you have trees already planted, you do not need to remove them from your yard, but they will require some periodic maintenance. Cut down any limbs and branches that are touching or coming close to contacting the home in any way. Even a small limb that is hanging down onto your roof will allow termites and other pests to make contact with your home.

Applying an insecticide to your trees periodically is also beneficial for preventing insects from harming your tree and your home.

You can stop attracting termites to your home. With this guide and your pest control professional's help, you will learn a few tips to prevent stressful, damaging, and costly infestations. 

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