3 Ways to Prevent a Termite Infestation

Termites exist in social colonies. And depending on the species, these colonies can vary from thousands of individual insects well into the millions. As termites seek good nesting spots, they often burrow into wooden floors and hidden crawlspaces. Because of their large numbers, these insects can quickly cause extensive structural home damage. That said, you can take measures to prevent a termite invasion in the first place. Take a look at proactive strategies that could potentially fend off a termite infestation.

1.Get Rid of Excess Moisture

Termites often seek out moist spaces since they need moisture to survive. That’s why you need to look out for any signs of water damage in your home. For instance, excessive moisture from leaking pipes creates a conducive environment for termite activity. Therefore, repair plumbing leaks that may present as pools of standing water in your home.

The buildup of debris on your roof and multiple clogged gutters also contribute to moisture problems in your home. The accumulated debris clogs your gutters and also traps moisture. Eventually, the trapped moisture pours out as water before it overflows and collects near your home’s foundation.

Such conditions are ideal triggers for a termite infestation. To keep termites away, regularly remove debris that builds up in the gutters.

Remember that termites also invade other high moisture areas in your home (like the crawl space). Fortunately, you could keep these areas dry with the following steps:

• Install a moisture barrier in your crawl space.
• Ensure down spouts and splash blocks direct water away from your home.
• Place your sprinkler system a few feet from your home.

If you live in a humid environment, invest in a dehumidifier to improve the air flow in your home. Also, during hot days, use your AC to regulate temperatures and prevent moisture buildup indoors.

2.Store Your Wood Piles Properly

Most homeowners prefer to store their firewood close to their house for easy access. Unfortunately, doing so offers termites a suitable entry point to your home.

A wood pile with high moisture content will start to rot. And since termites depend on wood and moisture for survival, rotting wood provides the perfect conditions for these insects to thrive. They get all the nourishment they need in one location. Before you know it, you already have a full-scale termite invasion to worry about.

To keep termites at bay, ensure you keep your wood pile a few inches raised above the ground. This allowance ensures your woodpile doesn’t trap too much moisture from the soil.

But even after you raise your wood pile a few inches above the ground, make sure the wood isn’t too close to your house. This way, any termites that might invade the wood pile are far less likely to get to your house easily.

3.Schedule Regular Termite Inspections

Typically, the warmer climates in Florida mean that your home is at a higher risk of termite invasion. That’s why you need to be more vigilant and schedule regular inspections. Make sure you schedule regular inspections with your pest control expert to check for termite activity at least once every year.

A licensed technician will inspect areas of your home that you might otherwise miss. They’re likely to notice early telltale signs such as shed wings and mud tubes. For example, mud tubes often indicate a subterranean termite invasion. Subterranean termites use these passageways to move from their food source to the nest.

Unfortunately, these insects are extremely destructive and may no talways build these mud tubes in plain sight. By the time you discover the extent of the damage, it could already be too late. Thankfully, a routine inspection can uncover an invasion early before it becomes a nightmare.

Don’t wait until a termite invasion completely wrecks your home. Contact Highland Pest Control, Inc., as soon as you can for an effective control plan if you suspect any termite activity.