No pest infestation should be taken lightly, but if there ever were a contest for the worst pest, termites would probably top the competition.
Termites are some of the most destructive household pests, costing homeowners billions of dollars in property damage each year. Once termites enter your home or business, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of, making them one type of pest you do not want to encounter. Worst of all, insurance won’t even cover the cost of damage, leaving you to recoup the financial loss entirely on your own.
Keep your home and business safe from these destructive pests with our 7 top termite prevention tips.
What Attracts Termites to Your Home
First, it’s important to identify what draws termites to your property so that you can implement the proper preventative measures.
Moisture is one of the biggest reasons why termites may be attracted to your home. Termites prefer to dwell in places with excess moisture, such as damp basements or bathrooms with leaks.
Termites are also attracted to wood since they feed on the cellulose that’s found in wood. They prefer softer wood with a high moisture content, so you may notice termites if you have a lot of wood on your property, such as wet logs and wooden furniture that is left outside.
Signs of Termites
When it comes to recognizing a termite infestation, there are several telltale signs to look out for, including:
- Mud tubes
- Discarded insect wings
- Termite droppings
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Buckling wood
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Noise coming from inside the walls
It’s important to differentiate between termite droppings, which tend to resemble pellets and frass. The latter usually comes from carpenter ants, which can be just as destructive but require different treatment options.
7 Tips for Preventing Termites
Prevention is always the surest way to avoid a termite infestation. While termites can be difficult to get rid of, there are several things you can do to prevent them from invading your home in the first place.
Tip 1: Moisture Control
As mentioned earlier, termites are more drawn to homes with excess moisture. To combat this, try to remove the moisture from your home using a dehumidifier. It can also be helpful to regularly clean your gutters and fix any leaking pipes or faucets in your home.
Tip 2: Eliminating Wood-to-Ground Contact
Termites are also attracted to wood, and the more wood you have in or around your home, the greater your risk of encountering these pests. One thing you can do to prevent termites is to keep your firewood away from your home and off of the ground. Doing this will improve the ventilation and make termites less likely to show up.
Tip 3: Reducing Wood Debris Around Property
Reducing wood debris outside of your home is another great way to prevent termites. This includes wood chips, broken firewood, and any other wood that may be on your property.
Tip 4: Using Termite-Resistant Building Materials
If you’re in the process of building a home, using termite-resistant materials can help keep these pests away. This includes materials like concrete, steel, and termite-resistant wood like cedar, teak, and redwood.
Tip 5: Landscaping Considerations
When it comes to preventing termites, you will want to take certain precautions when landscaping. Use non-wood mulch alternatives, avoid overwatering your grass and bushes, and avoid wooden landscaping features to keep termites and other wood-destroying insects away from your property.
Tip 6: Scheduling Regular Inspections
When you’re dealing with termites, your best defense is to schedule regular inspections with a pest control professional. Most pest control experts recommend having your home and property inspected for termites every year, but it is also imperative that you know the signs of a termite infestation to look for in between inspections.
Tip 7: Invest in a Termite Protection Plan
Pest Czar has optional termite prevention coverage that can be purchased in its monthly pest control plan. Using the advanced Sentricon bait station, Pest Czar will eliminate termites entirely from your home year-round. And, thanks to our Always Active technology system, your bait station will only have to be serviced twice a year, saving you money.
For more information on termite control, contact one of our technicians at Pest Czar for a quote!
FAQs
Are there natural methods for termite prevention?
While natural methods of termite control are not going to be as effective as what a professional exterminator could do, many homeowners prefer to take a DIY approach. Certain essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and boric acid can all be used as natural termite prevention methods, though we can’t recommend them for long-term relief.
How often should I schedule a termite inspection?
Most pest control professionals recommend having your home inspected for termites every year. However, this can vary depending on where you live and your risk factors.
What should I do if I find termites in my building?
If you spot termites in your building, contact a pest control professional immediately. Termite infestations are serious and should be handled by an experienced exterminator to ensure proper treatment.