Remove dead wood, stumps, and debris near the house

What to Do

Remove dead tree stumps, scrap wood, fallen branches, and cellulose debris from within 20 feet of the home. Do not stack firewood against the house or on the ground near the foundation. Clear construction debris, cardboard, and paper products from crawlspaces.

Why It Works

Dead wood and cellulose debris near the foundation serve as food sources that attract termite colonies to the area. Once established nearby, termites are more likely to discover and attack the structure. Removing these attractants forces colonies to forage farther from your home.

Tips

• Stack firewood at least 20 feet from the house and elevate it off the ground on a rack
• Remove old tree stumps by grinding — leaving them in the ground provides termite food for years
• Keep the area under decks and porches clear of stored wood and debris
• Cardboard boxes in crawlspaces are a common and overlooked termite food source
• This reduces risk but does not guarantee protection — combine with annual inspections