6 Places Where Termites Might Be Lurking In Your Backyard

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A backyard with landscaping and a shed

Nothing says “summer” quite like fun afternoons and warm nights spent in your backyard. If you’re not careful though, you may be making one of these six common mistakes that invite termites into your yard and home.

  1. Renovations typically happen during the summer and may include decks, sheds, fences or sunrooms. Keep in mind that if you are adding structures on your property, they should be protected from termites. Also, as you’re working on renovations, keep an eye out for signs of termites, like mud tubes, or wood damage, like unexplained cracks on walls or sagging flooring. Tap the wood with a screwdriver. If it sounds hollow or crumbles, you may be in trouble.
  2. Air conditioning units can be termite magnets. Though they provide much-needed relief during the summer, they also provide moist environments. Make sure the moisture release is pointing away from the foundation of your home. Keep an eye out for leaking condensate or drain pipes, as well, and if there are any cracks in entry points to the home.
  3. Tree stumps left behind can become infested with termites, so it’s best to remove the entire tree right away.
  4. Mulch looks nice, but termites love the moist environment and may use that mulch area to access the foundation of your home. Avoid piling mulch against your home’s foundation.
  5. Clogged rain gutters can contribute to an above-ground termite infestation. Make sure flexible waterspouts are aimed away from your home — and preferably 6 to 10 feet away.
  6. Firewood comes in handy for bonfires, but you’ll want to avoid stacking it against your house or directly on the ground. Keep firewood at least 5 feet away from the foundation of your home and keep it on a rack to avoid direct-to-soil contact.

It’s common for one or more colonies to be present around a house, so even after colonies are eliminated, new colonies may emerge from nearby and forage back into your yard. The Sentricon® system eliminates existing colonies but also prevents damage from future colonies that move into the area. With the termite baiting system in place, you have 24/7/365 protection from termites. Find a termite professional today to inspect your backyard and make sure your yard and home aren’t harboring any unwanted guests.

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