Five Ways to Prevent Termites in Your Home
Five Ways to Prevent Termites in Your Home
October 13, 2020 ι Miriam S Montalvo
Termites, the dreaded “T” word for some. These little creatures are known to cause big property damage resulting in expensive repairs. Known for its healthy appetite, termites enjoy eating away at the wood in floors, walls, and other structural elements. Here are some effective steps you can take to prevent termites within your home.
What Attracts Termites to Your Property
Year-round termite protection in Florida isn’t just a good idea; it’s an absolute necessity. Termites are prolific breeders with a healthy appetite. And one of the best ways to prevent termites is to understand what environment they are attracted to. Some common areas include:
- Unsealed or unpainted wood
- Exposed rafter tails
- Old tree stumps or wood waste piles
- Mulch
- Excessive ground moisture
- Wood rot
1. Keep Wood Stored Away from Your Home
Termites are attracted to plywood, lumber, firewood, or even mulch stored near the home. Their favorite is damp, decaying wood! Consider this when storing these items, making sure they are stored away from the home. When purchasing products, especially decking or porch material, think about using items made with resinous or treated wood to help prevent termites.
2. Keep It Dry
Prevent water accumulation near and in your property. Check for and fix leaky plumbing. Also, ensure your gutters are clear of debris to avoid standing water around your home. And lastly, check for faulty grading and add dirt to your yard as needed. Make sure to slope it away from your foundation!
3. Seal Cracks
Termites can live in the smallest of areas. It’s best to ensure holes in your walls or around your windows, and cracks in your foundation are repaired and sealed. In other words, if there’s an opening, seal it! Take the time to repair any damaged caulking around the home. Additionally, use plaster or cement to seal openings where wood-destroying pests might enter. Pay special attention to areas where wiring or utility pipes enter the home.
4. Maintain Your Garden Spaces
Dying vegetation around your home or property could attract termites. Clearing your property of damp, decaying vegetation and removing branches and twigs will remove a food source for termites. Caution should be taken when watering gardens or shrubbery because termites love moisture. It is also best to avoid overwatering or soaking the wall of your home or the foundation.
5. Trust A Specialist
Although the above steps are great preventative tips, eventually you may have to deal with termites within your home. When in doubt, trust a proven professional to help. It is always best to hire a Certified Pest Control Operator to inspect your home yearly and treat it as necessary.