Termites are a dangerous problem that can cause a lot of damage to your home. Not only do they eat away at the wood, but they can also compromise the structural integrity of your house. If you live in an area where termites are common, it is crucial to take steps timely for termite protection.
Fix water leaks and drainage problems around your home.
Termites attract moisture, so it’s important to keep your home dry. Check for any water leaks inside and outside your home and fix them immediately. Make sure that rainwater drains away from your foundation, and keep gutters clean so they can do their job properly.
Get rid of wood that touches the ground.
Termites love wood, especially softwoods like cedar and redwood. So if you have any firewood or other pieces of lumber touching the ground near your home, move them at least 20 feet away. You should also avoid using mulch made from these woods since termites will eat through it to get to your house.
Keep termites out of your home with a barrier.
Several products on the market can create a barrier between termites and your home. One option is to use a termite shield, metal or concrete barrier that surrounds the perimeter of your foundation. You can also treat the soil around your home with chemicals that kill termites before they have a chance to get inside.
Inspect for termites regularly.
The best way to protect your land from termites is to catch them before they have a chance to do any damage. Inspecting for termites regularly (at least once per year) will help you find them early so you can take pragmatic steps to eliminate them.
Use termite-resistant wood in construction.
If you’re planning on doing any construction or remodelling on your home, choose termite-resistant wood for the project. Woods like teak, mahogany, and ipe are all naturally resistant to termites and will help keep them away from your home.
Eliminate moisture sources inside your home.
In addition to fixing leaks and drainage problems around your home, you also need to eliminate moisture sources inside your house that could attract termites. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces, and ensure that any leaks in your plumbing are immediately fixed.
Keep gutters clean and free of debris.
Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around your foundation, which is an open invitation for termites. Make sure to clean your gutters regularly (at least once per year) and remove any leaves or other debris that could be clogging them up.
Remove termite food sources from around your home.
Termites will eat just about anything made of wood, so removing potential food sources from your property is important. If you have any stumps, tree limbs, or other wood debris lying around, get rid of them. It would be best if you also trimmed any tree branches touching your house, as termites will use these to access your roof and attic.
Use termite baits to kill termites.
If you already have the problem of termites in your home, you can use termite baits to kill them. These baits contain chemicals that attract termites and then kill them when they eat them. You can place the baits around the perimeter of your property or in areas where you’ve seen termites before.
Hire a professional exterminator.
If you’re not comfortable dealing with termites yourself, or if you’ve tried DIY methods that haven’t worked, it’s time to call in a professional. Exterminators have the tools and experience necessary to quickly and effectively eliminate termites.
Termite protection doesn’t have to be difficult. Following these tips, you can keep termites away from your house and avoid costly damage. If you think you may already have termites, don’t wait to take action – call a professional exterminator right away.