THE SECRET TO EFFECTIVE TERMITE CONTROL IN AIKEN

Do you know that termites are beneficial insects? It's true! Really! Termites don't just eat homes and businesses in Aiken; they break down decaying wood and put nutrients into the soil. If we didn't have termites, we'd have dead tree branches, logs, and dying trees up to our armpits. Unfortunately, Termites don't know where nature ends and your property begins. They will accidentally come into your yard and feed on your property. The secret to effective termite control is letting termites know that your Aiken home isn't on the menu. Here are a few ways you can do that.

Evaluate Food Sources

When termites come into your yard, they're going to be looking for food. If you provide a food source for them, you can expect trouble. And you might be surprised at some of the things termites eat. Let's start with the strangest things first: 

• Feces — Yep. Termites eat animal feces. If you have a dog that leaves its "business" in your yard, it could attract termites. These insects feed on feces to prepare themselves to eat the cellulose found in the other foods they eat. When they're not feeding on animal droppings, they eat their own waste.
• Plastic — While a termite doesn't eat plastic as a food source, it can chew through plastic to get to a desirable food source, such as wood timbers of your home. They'll also chew through drywall and other building materials.
• Leaves — If you have piles of leaves in your yard, termites may take notice. Worker termites can feed on dead and decaying leaves. It isn't a preferred food source, but they will do in a pinch.
• Sticks — When branches fall from your trees, these can provide a highly desirable food source. You should never collect branches and store them in a large pile. This is like a beacon for termites. 
• Stumps — This is another obvious food source. If you have stumps in your yard, the root system of those stumps is perfect for termites. Unfortunately, they won't consume an entire stump and rid your yard of it, so don't get too excited. Many wood-destroying organisms are required for that process to be completed.
• Construction Materials — If you have pieces of wood that have come off fences, sheds, your deck, your home, or some other structure, it is best to remove them from your yard. A stack of lumber will be targeted by termites.
• Firewood — This is perhaps the most enticing food source imaginable, especially if you have stacked firewood sitting on the ground. The point where the wood touches the soil and moisture develops is a perfect environment for termites.
• Anything With Cellulose — There are some things that aren't likely to be on the ground in your backyard, but you should be aware that termites can feed on them, such as cardboard, clothing, upholstered furniture, and other objects with materials that contain cellulose. 

Address Food Sources

Once you've considered the things that termites will eat, take steps to remove or protect them:

• Keep on top of pet waste cleanup.
• If you see mud on plastic, contact a licensed termite control professional. This could be a warning sign of termite activity.
• Bag leaves and remove them from your property.
• Burn branches or remove them from your property.
• Remove stumps if possible.
• Refrain from storing wood in your backyard and never bury wood in your yard.
• Elevate construction materials and firewood.
• Address any wood-to-soil contact, such as fence posts and deck supports that go into the ground.

Address Moisture

Termites are attracted to moist soil and damp habitats. If you have damp landscaping or a damp perimeter around your home, they'll notice.

• Make sure your gutters are free of clogs and breaks.
• Repair plumbing issues.
• Remove weeds, grass, unnecessary plants, and debris from your landscaping.
• Water your plants early in the morning.
• Keep your shrubs, bushes, and hedges trimmed.

Perform Routine Inspections

Learn to recognize the warning signs of termite activity, and make an effort to do an inspection at least once a year. Here are a few things to look for:

• Mud tubes on your foundation walls, inside your crawl space, and in dark voids underneath structures.
• Shed swarmer wings caught in spider webs or littered on the ground.
• Wood damage in dark, moist locations.
• Termite activity underneath wood sources, such as branches, firewood, or mulch.

The Most Effective Termite Protection

If you want to know that your property is completely protected, the best solution is to invest in professional termite control. We can assist you with finding the right solution for your property. Reach out to Aiken Pest Control today and schedule a service visit. We're here to help you find solutions to all of your pest concerns.