In spite of their tiny size, an army of termites can cause some serious, irreversible damage to your home. Therefore, the best way to protect your home from termites is to prevent them from entering in the first place. This requires a multifaceted approach that, when done correctly, can dramatically lesson your chances of ever having to face termite damage in your home.
Keep your home’s wood elements away from the ground. Termites breed in the soil, and then they enter your home by way of eating through the structural wood. Any wood that is in contact with the soil around your home may just be the perfect invitation for termites to invade your home. Inspect the ground around your home and make sure that any wood siding, shingles, latticework, structural posts, and steps are at least six inches up from the soil and separated from the ground by way of a concrete barrier (the home’s foundation will do). This also applies to mulch, stacks of firewood, lumber, and other types of wood debris.
Divert moisture away from your home. Termites love moist areas, and will naturally be attracted to homes that have damp foundations. Therefore, you need to take measures to divert any excess moisture from rain or condensation away from your home. Make sure you have downspouts, drains, gutters, and splash blocks where needed. Also, make sure that your yard is appropriately sloped to lead water away from your home’s foundation. Lastly, repair and leaks from air conditioning units, water pipes, outdoor faucets, and/or irrigation systems that may lead to standing water puddles.
Dehumidify your crawl space. As previously mentioned, termites love warm and moist areas. That means your crawlspace is especially tempting to termites, should they somehow gain access to your home. Keep your ventilation clean and free of debris, and install vapor barriers and extra vents if needed.
Have your home treated by a professional termite control company. When it comes down to you, you’re most likely not an expert when it comes to termites, and there is no replacement for the knowledge and expertise of a professional termite control company. If you really want to ensure that your home is protected against termites, then your best bet is to ask a termite control company to inspect your home and offer guidance (and treatment, if necessary) for keeping your home termite-free.
Protecting your home from termite damage is not necessarily a difficult task – that is, as long as you take measures to do so before termites have the change to gain entry into your home. These tips can guide you through the process of maintaining a termite-free home.
About the Author: Samuel Saywer and his wife just replaced their basement cabinet doors and hinges after eradicating a termite infestation. They’re now pest free.
