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A termite infestation is certainly not a desirable thing. No one out there is hoping to deal with this nuisance in their own homes. Termites are not easy pests to deal with. They can be challenging to detect, and incredibly difficult to get rid of. The best way to avoid an encounter with termites in your home is to do your best to prevent them altogether.
So how do you do that? First of all, you should make sure that your home is protected by termite barriers. For subterranean termites, which are the most common type of termite infestation, a physical barrier may be used to aid in prevention. Subterranean termites build their colonies in the soil around a structure, so chemically treated soil can be used to repel them. A layer of protection between the home and the soil can also be put in place. These barriers are typically made out of stainless steel mesh and other similar materials. This type of barrier is designed to protect the foundation of a structure from a termite invasion.
You will also need to make sure that you are not inviting termites into your home accidentally. Termites are on the hunt for food, shelter, and water, so easy access to these things will draw them in. Any time wood sources are in contact with the soil surrounding your house, you run the risk of termites making their way in.
To avoid an infestation, make sure any and all wood items are far from the foundation of your home. Keep all wood parts of the foundation at least six inches above the soil. Make sure the mulch used in your landscaping is kept several inches below the siding on your home, and try to avoid using wood mulch when possible. If you have a stack of firewood, keep it as far from the structure of your home as possible. Remove all dead trees, roots, stumps, and other wood debris from your yard.
Now that you’re keeping the wood temptation at bay, it’s time to make sure there’s no moisture drawing them in. Divert rainwater away from the foundation of your home by using downspout extenders and splash blocks, and keep those downspouts and gutters cleaned out. Keep your law sprinklers pointed away from the foundation of your house, and keep all plants and ground covers at least three feet away from the home. Take a good look around, and quickly repair any leaking faucets, AC units, or pipes that you encounter.
You will also need to take the time to do a thorough inspection around the outside of your home to look for any areas of easy access that termites may find. If you have plants near your home, consider installing trellises so that they don’t actually touch the structure. Also, don’t install flower planters directly against the house. Check the foundation of your home for cracks or gaps where termites may gain access.
By taking these precautions, you will be doing what you can to keep a termite infestation out of your home. In addition, it’s in your best interest to have an annual termite inspection conducted on your home by a pest control professional that specializes in termite prevention and control. While you may have been termite-free last year, those pesky critters may have found a way in over the past few months. Keeping your inspections up-to-date is the best way to ensure that termites aren’t making themselves nice and cozy inside the walls of your home.
