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Easy Termite Prevention Tips
Termites are a nuisance to any home or structure. Whether it's a garage, shed, or the main living quarters, they will attack without prejudice. That is why termite prevention is so vital to a home's safety. By understanding precisely what conditions termites prefer, and being able to spot potential termite damage, a homeowner can take the steps needed for effective termite prevention which leads to termite control.
Termites are a nuisance to any home or structure. Whether it's a garage, shed, or the main living quarters, they will attack without prejudice. That is why termite prevention is so vital to a home's safety. By understanding precisely what conditions termites prefer, and being able to spot potential termite damage, a homeowner can take the steps needed for effective termite prevention which leads to termite control.
Termite prevention starts when a homeowner understands the risk. Any wood that touches the ground provides access for termites. It could be something simple, like a deck or lattice work in a garden by the house. Or it could be the siding itself. Whenever ground to soil contact occurs, the threat of termites gaining access to the house occurs. It's important to keep soil and wood completely separate.
Sources of moisture are another key to termite prevention. Moist wood attracts termites like a magnet. Look around your home for sources of moisture. If water collects anywhere near your home, find a way to divert it away from the structure. Often this results from rainwater runoff, or gutters or downspouts needing repair.
If your home has a crawlspace or attic, it should be checked for moisture or buildup of water. While not every house has a crawlspace, they attract moisture because of the nature of their construction. Construction often routes ventilation systems, such as from a laundry room or bathroom into these spaces, trapping moisture. Correction of these problems can go a long way towards termite prevention.
Mulch can also be a problem when it comes to termite prevention. To prevent termites from entering a home through these mulched areas, it's important to make sure that the mulch doesn't touch wood siding or other wood structures around the home.
Homes with a fireplace may pose a problem as well. Many homeowners don't realize that firewood piled next to the house is a disaster waiting to happen. Keep firewood well away from the home or any other wood structure, such as a shed, even during winter months. It's better to have to walk out into the cold winter night to gather some wood than deal with the expense of repairing termite damage.
One of the best methods of termite prevention is to have an annual termite inspection by a professional. Termite damage can be easily missed by homeowners not familiar with the subtle signs. Trained professionals can spot infestations or potential future trouble spots and prevent future damage. Such inspections may be considered "termite insurance" and are inexpensive compared to the potential damage.
Knowing what conditions termites prefer and how to reduce or eliminate the chances of them infesting a home is the best form of termite control. Remember to eliminate sources of moisture near your home, eliminate ground to wood contact, and schedule annual termite inspections. These steps will go a long way towards termite prevention.
by RussFrank
Termites are a nuisance to any home or structure. Whether it's a garage, shed, or the main living quarters, they will attack without prejudice. That is why termite prevention is so vital to a home's safety. By understanding precisely what conditions termites prefer, and being able to spot potential termite damage, a homeowner can take the steps needed for effective termite prevention which leads to termite control.
Termite prevention starts when a homeowner understands the risk. Any wood that touches the ground provides access for termites. It could be something simple, like a deck or lattice work in a garden by the house. Or it could be the siding itself. Whenever ground to soil contact occurs, the threat of termites gaining access to the house occurs. It's important to keep soil and wood completely separate.
Sources of moisture are another key to termite prevention. Moist wood attracts termites like a magnet. Look around your home for sources of moisture. If water collects anywhere near your home, find a way to divert it away from the structure. Often this results from rainwater runoff, or gutters or downspouts needing repair.
If your home has a crawlspace or attic, it should be checked for moisture or buildup of water. While not every house has a crawlspace, they attract moisture because of the nature of their construction. Construction often routes ventilation systems, such as from a laundry room or bathroom into these spaces, trapping moisture. Correction of these problems can go a long way towards termite prevention.
Mulch can also be a problem when it comes to termite prevention. To prevent termites from entering a home through these mulched areas, it's important to make sure that the mulch doesn't touch wood siding or other wood structures around the home.
Homes with a fireplace may pose a problem as well. Many homeowners don't realize that firewood piled next to the house is a disaster waiting to happen. Keep firewood well away from the home or any other wood structure, such as a shed, even during winter months. It's better to have to walk out into the cold winter night to gather some wood than deal with the expense of repairing termite damage.
One of the best methods of termite prevention is to have an annual termite inspection by a professional. Termite damage can be easily missed by homeowners not familiar with the subtle signs. Trained professionals can spot infestations or potential future trouble spots and prevent future damage. Such inspections may be considered "termite insurance" and are inexpensive compared to the potential damage.
Knowing what conditions termites prefer and how to reduce or eliminate the chances of them infesting a home is the best form of termite control. Remember to eliminate sources of moisture near your home, eliminate ground to wood contact, and schedule annual termite inspections. These steps will go a long way towards termite prevention.
About the Author:
Russ Frank, the owner of Florida Bug Inspectors, is a pest control expert. He's been helping families and businesses in Tampa solve ant, roach and termite control problems for 25 years. The best way to control termites is to prevent termites from becoming a problem. Contact FBI today.