A common but good piece of advice about avoiding termite problems is removing dead wood, dying trees, and other “termite temptations” off your yard. However, there is another temptation for subterranean termites: wet soil. Subterranean termites are a highly invasive and destructive species that are drawn to moist soil.

termite inspectionWhether a storm turns your yard into a swamp, or a leaky faucet is creating a wet patch of ground near your house, both conditions invite termites into your home. Keep your property near your house well-drained with these six suggestions:

  • Fix leaking plumbing. Plumbing that’s leaking into the soil isn’t always easy to spot. However, if your water bills are higher than normal, you could have a leak. Note your water meter reading before going to bed and check again the following morning. If you weren’t deliberately running water overnight, then a different reading indicates a leak.
  • Fix dripping spigots. Dripping external spigots keep the soil wet next to your home. This turns it into a likely entry point for termites. In addition, keep air conditioning water discharge pipes well away from your foundation.
  • Locate rain gutter downspout discharges away from your house. Discharge the water at least five feet from your foundation wall.
  • Properly landscape your yard. Water should flow away from your house when it rains. This means your house should be on the high point of your property. If this isn’t the case, have your yard graded accordingly or install drainage systems that keep the land near your home dry.
  • Repair uneven or tilted concrete. Rainwater should run off your sidewalks or patio away from your house. If any of their concrete slabs are uneven or tilted, water pooling may occur after rain storms.
  • Inspect your yard during a rain storm. The surest way to detect drainage problems is observing water runoff as it happens. You can also check immediately after a storm to see where the pooling occurs. However, during a storm you can see water flow patterns, which give you a better picture of the situation.

If you suspect you may have a termite problem or if it’s been years since your last professional termite inspection, don’t put it off. Addressing a potential problem sooner is always best. To schedule an inspection, please contact us.