Block Off Routes Used by Termites

To discourage termites from entering your home, remove their welcome mat.

Many homeowners not only invite termites, they unknowingly provide superhighways with improperly planned and planted trees, shrubs and mulch that create rush-hour traffic for the hungry hordes flowing into their home.

Termites are attracted to plants, shrubs and trees. Don’t plant anything within 18 inches of your home. Mulch is a problem, too. Use a layer of inedible gravel or flagstone instead.

Termites also need moisture, so be sure nearby ground slopes away for water runoff. Also, large trees shouldn’t be closer than 20 feet because their extensive root systems form a perfect underground highway system leading directly into your home.