If you are a homeowner, the very thought of termites probably makes you cringe. These critters might be small, but they can completely destroy the foundation of your home. Termite damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair, so you definitely want to prevent them in the first place. If you just make a few changes, you can reduce your risk of termite infestation. Here are seven helpful tips for avoiding termites.

Be Careful With Mulch

Mulch may be beneficial for your garden, but they can increase your risk of termites. Mulch creates a moist environment, which is very attractive to termites. However, this does not mean you have to avoid mulch altogether. If you keep the mulch at least several inches away from your home's foundation, termites will be  a lot less likely to invade your house. Also. remember to check the mulch a couple of times a month for termites.

Repair Leaking Faucets

If any of your faucets are leaking, you should not just ignore the problem. A leaking faucet is not just harmful for your plumbing; it can also increase the risk of termite infestation. Termites love moisture and will be attracted to your house. Contact an experienced plumber right away and have him fix your leaking faucet.

Seal Cracks and Holes in Your Home

Sealing cracks and holes in your home will not just lower your heating and cooling bills; it will also prevent termites from getting into your home. If there are no small cracks or holes in your foundation, these termites will have a difficult time entering your home. Sealing the cracks and holes with caulk is very inexpensive and can help you avoid big problems in the future.

Clean Your Gutters

Another good way to prevent termites is to clean your gutters about once a month. If leaves and other debris accumulate in your roof's gutters, water can leak into your home and attract termites. Cleaning your gutters is not a fun job, but it is necessary to prevent termites. If your gutters get clogged frequently, you should consider installing gutter guards.

Trim Bushes Around Your Home

Termites love to hide in bushes, so you should trim the ones around your house regularly. If you keep these bushes at least several inches away from your home's foundation, termites will be less likely to get inside your house.

Do Not Leave Firewood Near Your House

Since termites are attracted to wood, you should keep firewood away from your home's foundation. If firewood is left near your house, termites can easily sneak into your house. If you have to keep firewood near your home, you should at least keep it raised off the ground. For example, you could use a metal stand to raise the firewood off the ground.

Remove Old Tree Stumps

If there are any old tree stumps in your yard, you should remove them as soon as possible. These stumps will take a while to rot completely and they can attract termites. Termites will feed off these tree stumps and can eventually make their way into your house. If you are not comfortable removing these tree stumps on your own, you should hire an experienced tree arborist to do the job for you.

If you follow these helpful tips, you can lower your risk of a termite infestation. However, if you do notice termites in your house, you should call an experienced exterminator right away. A trained exterminator from a firm like Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control has the right equipment and skills to safely remove termites from your home. He will get rid of the termites in a timely manner.