Four Proactive Anti-Termite Measures Homeowners Can Take
Posted on: 19 June 2023
Termites pose a considerable threat to homes in much of the United States. They cause a huge amount of property damage each year, undermining foundations, beams, and roof rafters, among other problems. Their silent and insidious activity often goes unnoticed until it's too late, often requiring extensive residential pest control services. Although relying on the expertise of a residential pest control expert is advisable, there are some proactive measures homeowners can take to keep termite infestations from occurring in the first place. Read on to find out more.
1. Inspect Your Property
To begin with, any effective anti-termite strategy begins with regular professional inspections. Trained residential pest control specialists can detect the early signs of termite activity, including the presence of swarmers, mud tubes, or hollowed-out wood. Book an inspection each year to help detect problems at their nascent stages. By doing so, homeowners can prevent more extensive and costly damage. Additionally, these pest control professionals can provide advice on specific preventive measures given the house's structure and location.
2. Address Dampness
Secondly, you should address any moisture issues on your property. Termites are attracted to damp environments, so repairing leaking faucets, water pipes, and AC units is crucial. Further, it's important to ensure good drainage on the property. Maintain clean gutters and downspouts and ensure the slope of your yard diverts water away from the house's foundation. In essence, a dry home is much less attractive to termites.
3. Stack Wood Off of the Ground
Another proactive residential pest control measure is to manage wood sources around your property properly. This includes maintaining a significant gap between piles of firewood and the soil, as soil-to-wood contact provides an easy path for termites. Keep piles of wood away from the main structure of the house, especially if you have exposed timbers close by. Regularly replacing any rotting or old wood sections in the house is also advisable.
4. Introduce Termite Barriers
Homeowners in locations where termites are known to be present should also consider the use of barriers. These can be physical barriers, such as metal shields or crushed rocks. Another proactive residential pest control measure that's specific to termites is a chemical treatment. Applied to the soil around and under the house, termiticides attack these creatures but leave other species untroubled. Termite bait stations, filled with a slow-acting insecticide that worker termites carry back to the colony, are also another effective and proactive anti-termite measure you can adopt. Consult a professional if you intend on using bait stations, however, since these can be harmful to children and some pets.
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