What Attracts Termites to Your Home?

Mulch is something that may bring termites to your yard. Western Exterminator of Las Vegas.Termites are active right now, making it the best time to know what may attract them to your property. Damage caused by termites often goes unnoticed, as they can be tricky to spot until you have a serious infestation. For that reason, it’s important to do everything you can to prevent a termite problem from starting in the first place. The first step to preventing termites is to know what actions may be attracting them to your property to begin with. The team at Rentokil is here to share their expert info on actions that could be inviting termites to your home–read on to learn more.

3 Things That May Attract Termites

  1. Firewood or wood piles: Many homeowners keep firewood stacked against their home or on the stoop for easy access. This is appealing to termites and can draw them toward a home and provide a point of entry. To avoid this, always store wood piles at least 20 feet away from the house, and 5 inches off the ground. Also avoid leaving stumps or logs in the yard, especially those that are in decay.
  2. Faulty or improper drainage: Moisture problems will attract subterranean termites, the most destructive species nationwide. Ensure you do not have any clogged gutters. Divert rainwater away from the foundation of your property with down-spout extenders.
  3. Mulch: Any mulch near your property could serve as a source of food for termites. Mulch retains moisture, which attracts termites. Try to minimize the usage of mulch or at least keep it 15 inches away from the foundation of your home or property.

Other Ways to Prevent Termites

In general, it’s best to get a regular inspection from a professional pest control company when you want to avoid termites. In addition, stay on top of home repairs: fix any damaged roofing, and seal any cracks or crevices in your property. Keep your garden neat, trim back trees and bushes away from the foundation of your home, and regularly inspect any outdoor furniture, porches, or decks.

Keeping Termites Away

Termites are the number one most destructive pest in the nation. For that reason, it’s essential for all homeowners in the Henderson area to stay proactive about preventative maintenance. For more information on what attracts termites to your home or how to prevent them, contact the termite exterminators at Rentokil today!

Will You Be My Valentine? Weird and Wacky Mating Rituals of Bugs

Forget flowers and chocolates this Valentine’s Day. When it comes to wooing a mate many insect species have their own, unique ways of attracting the opposite sex. In honor of Valentine’s Day, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) explores some of these strange mating habits.

Bed Bugs

If you’ve ever had a bed bug infestation, you know how quickly a few bugs can turn into hundreds, but what you may not know is just how all those bed bugs came to be. Bed bugs practice a mating behavior known as “traumatic insemination” where the male pierces the abdomen of the female.

Kissing bugs

The name “kissing bug” might lead you to believe we’re talking about a disease you can pick up from smooching your Valentine, but kissing bugs are actually insects. Named for their tendency to bite the faces and lips of humans while they sleep, kissing bugs can cause welts and allergic reactions. This blood meal is necessary for male kissing bugs to mate and for the female kissing bug to lay eggs.

Termites

Female termites release ‘mating pheromones,’ much like perfume, to entice male termites. Once males locate the alluring females, they both break off their wings, symbolizing they are officially a couple.

Fire Ants

In fire ant colonies, the queen ant is in charge of egg laying, and can even control how many male and female eggs she lays. Her goal is to produce another queen, and males are needed to mate and produce a colony. Worker ants, however, have no use for males, which die after mating. When the queen needs males, she can overwhelm the colony with male eggs. The female workers kill many of the males, but they can’t kill them all.

If you live or work in Las Vegas or Henderson and suspect a pest infestation in your home or office, contact Western Exterminator to cut the courtship short. Visit lvpest.com or call us at 702-385-1269 today!