Termites are incredibly common in the United States and are present in every state except for Alaska! They do around $5 billion worth of damage to residential and commercial property across the country every year. It goes without saying that you certainly do not want them entering your property. However, it is difficult to prevent them when you don't know what attracts them.

Let's take a look at some of the things you might be doing that could attract termites.

Keeping Wood Piles Too Close to the Property

One of the most common things that will attract termites to your property is your woodpile. It is important to store your firewood or other woodpiles a minimum of 20 feet away from your home and lift a minimum of 5 inches off the ground. Keeping firewood stacked against your home will attract termites and give them quick and easy access to the property.

Eliminate Excess Moisture

Termites will thrive in moist conditions. Subterranean termites need a good supply of water for survival. That's why eliminating excess moisture around your home can help to keep the termites at bay. Check your property for poor drainage, poor airflow, and leaky pipes. These can all contribute to creating the ideal habitat for termites. Some homeowners find it helpful to close off their crawl space and take other steps to reduce humidity and prevent mold. All of this, coupled with professional termite treatment in Knoxville, can help you to stay on top of these unwanted house guests.

Unclog Those Gutters

Carrying on with the moisture theme, it is crucial to unclog your gutters to facilitate good drainage. If they are left blocked with leaves and other debris, it can cause pooling water which will eventually seep into insulation and create a hospitable environment for termites. You can also prevent water pooling at your foundation by using downspout extensions and splash blocks to divert water away.

Take a Look at Your Landscaping

This one might cause frustration if you have spent a lot of time planning your garden, but in some cases, your landscaping choices could make your home attractive to pests. Mulch, which is made up of wood chips, is a popular choice among gardeners, but since it retains moisture, it is an attractive source of food for termite colonies. It may be wise to swap it out for another material, or at least make sure it is a minimum of 15 inches away from your foundations. Landscaping timbers placed on the ground are also a beacon for termites.

Termite Treatment in Knoxville

All of these tips mentioned can be useful in making your home or business property less attractive to termites. However, they are not 100% effective and are not a substitute for booking professional termite treatment in Knoxville. At Otis Pest Control, our technicians have vast experience in providing termite treatment in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. We offer a free initial inspection, and then, if evidence of termites is found on the property, we will put together a termite treatment plan that suits your needs. Often that means a combination of barrier treatments and bait stations for the most effective results.

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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.