Marie and Brad returned home after a weekend getaway to find one of the wood beams in their living room crawling with termites.
The pests had caused extensive damage in just a few days, leaving the couple with a costly repair.
Unfortunately, stories like this are all too common, especially in the Gulf Coast region where warmer, wetter weather leads to greater termite pressure.
In fact, according to Terminix, Baton Rouge is ranked in the top 25 metro areas nationwide for termite infestations.
Homeowners in Louisiana face intense termite pressure, often without realizing the daily habits that invite infestations.
In this blog, we provide an overview of the ways Louisiana residents can accidentally attract destructive termites into their homes and yards.
4 Ways Louisiana Homeowners Unknowingly Attract Termites
Wood-to-House Contact
It’s common to store extra firewood for bonfire nights or leftover wood from home projects in neatly stacked piles next to your house.
However, these piles provide the perfect location for termites seeking food and shelter.
The pests quickly invade the center of stacks, munching away at the wood and also building extensive tunnel networks inside.
Their colony then migrates into the nearby home for more food sources once the woodpile is consumed.
To deter termites, store wood properly up off the ground with a termite-resistant barrier underneath. Place it far from your home’s perimeter.
Also, routinely check woodpiles for early signs of termites like holes, mud tubes, or damaged sections.
Excessive Moisture from Faulty Irrigation
Underground irrigation systems endure a lot of pressure and wear over time. Eventually, leaks in lines or emitters often develop.
Untended, these issues create consistently saturated areas around your home’s foundation as systems run — the perfect damp habitat to draw termites!
Make it a habit each season to fully inspect for damaged areas or malfunctions allowing excess water flow.
Fix all leaks immediately upon discovery and adjust the watering schedule if necessary to avoid overly moist soils.
Mulch Built Up Against Home’s Foundation
Mulch offers benefits for maintaining nicer bed areas and plant growth.
However, thick mulch beds pushed flush against the home’s concrete foundation essentially form a hidden highway for termites.
The dense mulch retains higher moisture favorable to termites while blocking sunlight that could help dry it out faster after rains.
Under this familiar and protected cover, termite colonies happily nest and follow the mulch path right to your home’s vulnerable wood framing.
As difficult as it may be aesthetically, always leave at least a 6-inch gap between mulch beds and your home’s perimeter to limit the risk.
Openings in Your Home
During annual maintenance, examine your home closely for areas needing seals and caulking, especially the foundation perimeter, windows, doors, and roof.
Cracks allow termites to enter inner wood structural framing undetected. Maintaining proper seals prevents their sneaky entry points into your home.
The mistakes outlined above can unintentionally invite termite infestations onto your property.
If termites access your home, they can cause major structural damage as they feast on wood materials.
It is crucial to take proactive measures to help prevent termite invasion altogether. Preventive actions now can save you from costly termite damage down the road.
If you suspect an existing infestation, contact a pest control professional immediately for treatment, as the problem will only worsen without fast action.
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage resulting from homeowner negligence.
And for homeowners insurance in Louisiana, contact TSL Insurance Group. Our insurance agency serves clients across Louisiana from five office locations: Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Lutcher, Abbeville, and Franklin. Request a free quote today!
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