Eliminate These Attractants To Prevent A Termite Infestation
Of all the bugs you don't want to find in your home, termites just might be at the top of the list. They don't bite you, and they're not poisonous, but they can chew a wooden structure to shreds before you know it. Termites are also notoriously hard to get rid of. But there is a little good news to be heard here: termite infestations can usually be prevented. The key is to eliminate what attracts them. Here's how to do that.
Eliminate moisture around your home's foundation.
Often, termites first invade the bottom floors of a home because this is where the wood first becomes moist. That moisture typically comes from outside. Water may pool around the foundation, seep in through small cracks and fissures, and then moisten wooden structures in the home. If you eliminate moisture around the foundation, you are much less likely to have a termite problem.
How do you do that? Well, you make sure your gutters are clear so water is funneled far away from your foundation. You also call a landscaping company if there are any low spots near the base of your home. They can either install drain tile so these areas stay dry, or they can add fill and re-slope your yard for better drainage.
Eliminate moist and deteriorating firewood.
Often, a termite infestation begins when termites move from a woodpile into the home itself. If you get rid of any moist or rotting wood in the first place, you can prevent this entire issue. After you've thrown away or burned any wood that is not in good shape, protect any remaining firewood by storing it off the ground or inside a shed. Rotate through your firewood, burning the oldest wood first, to keep any additional wood from developing rot and attracting termites.
Eliminate any dead or nearly dead trees.
Termites also like to invade and feed on dead and dying trees. If you eliminate any dead trees from your land, there will be less concern about termites moving into your home. Identify any trees that have brackets growing from their trunks, spotted leaves, or branches without leaves. These trees tend to be in poor condition. Have a tree care company come take a closer look and remove any trees they feel are on their way out.
Pest control is not all about chemical sprays and traps, especially when it comes to termites. Taking a preventative approach is far more effective.