Termites cause billions of dollars of property damage every year in the United States alone. These small insects can quickly turn your dream home into a nightmare, so anything you can do to avoid them can save you time and money in the long run. Here's why your home may be attracting termites. 

Readily Available Food

Termites go where the food is. Most of their diet consists of wood, and they're not picky about where it comes from. Mulch and firewood piles draw termites in, and if they're close to your house, the termites may migrate. Keep firewood at least a few feet from your home and elevated off the ground if possible. Likewise, you should keep mulch away from your foundation. 

Tree stumps, fallen branches and excess plant matter in an area can also attract termites. Branches of living trees that touch your roof allow termites and other pests to travel from the ground to your home. So, keeping the trees around your house pruned is essential. 

Besides wood, termites will eat paper, cardboard, carpet, wallpaper, drywall and furniture once they are inside your home. They cannot eat plastic or concrete. But, their ability to find a way into an area despite barriers has given rise to the myth that they can. 

Lots of Moisture

Termites are attracted to areas with a lot of moisture, so proper drainage around your home is vital. Cleaning your gutters regularly is inconvenient, but it is one of the best ways to avoid attracting termites. 

Clogged gutters can lead to weak spots in your roof, which give any termites in the area easier access to your home. Because clogged gutters don't funnel water away from your home as they're supposed to, you're also likely to see more moisture around your foundation. 

Keeping your attic, basement and the soil directly around your home as dry as possible will deter moisture-loving termites. Keep your eyes open for leaks, and fix any leak you find as soon as possible. If there's a particularly damp area of your home, it might be a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier. 

Because New Jersey experiences cold winter temperatures, many people mistakenly believe that our area's homes are less at risk for termite infestations. That is not the case, so preventative maintenance and quick responses are necessary. Contact A-Academy Termite and Pest Control today for a thorough inspection of your property.