How to prevent termites in your home.
Even if you’ve never had to deal with subterranean or drywood termites, you’re probably acutely aware of the potential structural problems they can cause. Left unchecked, these wood-eating creatures can cost you many thousands of dollars in damage, which is why termite is an absolute necessity.
Unfortunately, many homeowners and business owners aren’t too familiar with how to avoid potential termite problems. Today, we’re going to explore some of the best ways to prevent termites from entering your property and how to react if they’re able to get past your precautions.
Reduce Interior Moisture
Like other pests, water will attract termites because it indicates a potential food source. You should check to make sure you don’t have any leaks throughout your entire home but pay close attention to areas such as your attic where termite entry is common. It’s also a good idea to give it a good once-over following a storm because of the potential for excess moisture.
Reduce Exterior Moisture
Even though reducing moisture inside your home is an important step to preventing a termite infestation, it’s even more important that you reduce the amount of exterior moisture. You can do this by diverting water away from your home with the use of downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks. Also, be sure that you’re paying attention to any moist soil after it rains or in the event of a leak, and that you keep a watchful eye for any signs of a termite presence.
Perform Routine Checks
The very best way to prevent termites is to simply be diligent. Perform routine checks around your property for any potential signs of a termite infestation. These include mud tubes, frass (termite feces), hollow wood, discarded wings, and peeling or bubbling paint. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to get in contact with a professional pest control company right away.
Replace Weather-Stripping
A common way for termites to enter your home is through its foundation. When weather-stripping around the foundation has become worn out, small gaps can provide easy access for the termites to slip through. Replacing the weather-stripping is typically a do-it-yourself job, but if you’re not confident you’ll be able to effectively protect the home, call an HVAC professional to do it for you.
Block Other Access Points
Like other small insects, termites can enter your home through a variety of access points. This often happens because cracks, gaps, and holes can develop in your walls and other areas due to storms or simple wear and tear. Depending on the severity of the damage, you’ll be able to seal these problem areas with either caulk, spray foam, or weather-stripping.
Don’t Store Wood Nearby
Since termites are attracted to wood, it’s always best to reduce the amount of temptation near your home. If you have any firewood or wood structures outside, keep them as far away from the house as it’s feasible. Plus, if you have any tree stumps or rotted wood laying around, remove these items right away. Avoiding wood to ground contact will greatly lessen the chances of termites getting inside.
Declutter Your Home
Like other pests, termites will often find refuge amongst interior and exterior clutter as they seek to establish a colony inside your home. Removing this clutter will give the termites fewer places to hide and they’ll be easier to see in case any show up. As a bonus, other insects won’t be able to hide in the clutter, either.
Schedule an Annual Check
Hiring a professional pest control company to check for termite activity each year will help ensure you avoid any costly damage. A termite inspection will be extremely thorough, and you’ll receive a full report of any findings along with suggested actions that you should take in case any termites are found. The pest control professional will also show you weak spots in the property that need to be better protected.
Act Quickly to the Signs
A common mistake for many homeowners is not acting upon a termite presence quickly enough. Given the veracity of both subterranean and drywood termites, delaying service could very well lead to a much higher cost. Some homeowners don’t act right away because they’re not 100% positive they found signs of termite activity, but all it takes is a simple inspection to find out for sure.
Contact ProHealth Pest Control for the Best Ways to Prevent Termites
If you’re looking for the best ways to prevent termites, then you’ve come to the right place. ProHealth Pest Control utilizes organic methods to protect your home or business from termites, cockroaches, ants, arachnids, rodents, and many other pests. If you have any questions about termite treatment in Tampa or would like to schedule an appointment, reach out by calling (727) 310-0521 to schedule a free consultation.
