Termites are a huge problem for homeowners. They can cause thousands of dollars in damage, and worst of all, they’re nearly impossible to get rid of without professional help. That’s why it’s vital to take steps now to avoid them altogether! Here are some helpful tips you can use for termite prevention.
What can attract termites?
Termites feed on wood debris and dirt. If you have these things in your home, termites will likely want to make a comfortable home! Watch out for places where there is exposed soil near the foundation of your house or any other wooden structures such as decks and sheds. Make sure no cracks in your foundation have opened up where termites can get in.
What are the signs of termites?
If you see any activity that could indicate a termite infestation, it’s crucial to act immediately! Some examples include:
– Sawdust or dirt coming out from cracks and crevices on walls, floors, windowsills, etc. This is an indication that termites may be eating away at your house.
– There is a sweet and musty smell in certain areas of your home, or you can even hear wood crunching when walking around on the floorboards, etc. Termites make these noises as they eat through wooden structures!
– You see winged insects crawling up walls and along windowsills. This is a sure sign that termites have infested your house, and you need to take action straight away!
How do I prevent termites?
Termite control can be a daunting task once they establish a colony on your property. Luckily, you can keep things from getting too far with the following preventive measures:
Keep your home dry
Moisture is one of the main reasons behind the pests in your home. Termites need water to survive, so the more dry your home is, the less likely it will be that termites can survive. You can keep excess moisture away by using a dehumidifier if you live in humid regions. Also, remember to turn on the air conditioner during the sweltering summer months. These will help to reduce moisture levels in your home, hence fend off termite infestations.
Cover exposed soil
If you have any exposed dirt or infested wood on the outside of your house, make sure to cover it up with a protective barrier so that termites can’t get through! This includes around windows and doors, especially if they are close to tree stumps where termites may get in.
Keep your home clean
Don’t let piles of clutter and garbage accumulate in your yard, or inside the house for that matter! Not only does this attract other pests like rats, but it also attracts termites. Keep everything neat and tidy to avoid these problems before they get out of hand!
Get rid of wood
If you have any exposed wooden structures like decks, sheds, or fences in your yard, make sure to keep them well maintained and away from the foundation of your home. Subterranean termites love these places because they provide food (wood) and shelter (underneath decking). Make it a point not to store firewood under your house either.
Get an inspection
Getting a professional inspection from time to time doesn’t just help ensure that you know if something goes wrong – it can also help you spot problems before they become a big issue. Professional termite control providers will tell you about any issues in your home that you may have overlooked and advise you on what you can do better to kill termites or stave off termite infestations!
Inspect the soil regularly
The dirt around your house can be the perfect spot for termite colonies to sprout, so make sure to check on it often and take any necessary steps if something looks off! Watch out for cracks or openings in this area– these are the kinds of places where termites may be able to get in.
Fix leaks
Leaky pipes and taps can cause a lot of damage to your home, but they also provide subterranean termites with the necessary moisture they need to survive. Fix any leaks right away, so there’s no chance of a termite infestation! These little insects will be able to eat through things like wood and plastic easily – imagine what they could do to your house!
Don’t store firewood inside
If termites have a food source, then they’ll stick around! Make sure that all of the wooden structures in your yard are maintained and free from damage. This includes removing old pieces of firewood from close to the house and maintaining trees and plants near it. Fortunately, this is also very simple to do.
Get rid of old trees near the house
Old or dying trees near your house can provide termites with a foothold for getting into the home. Ensure that all of your trees are healthy and a good distance from the house to keep termites away! Cut any branches close to your house – this will prevent termites from climbing and finding a way in.
Seal any cracks in your home’s foundation
To prevent future infestations, you need to ensure that your house is sealed all around. Make sure sealant is applied correctly, so they don’t have anywhere else to go! These small insects can get into any crack or opening where there’s a moist area for them to cling on and feed off of.
Your Neighborhood Pest Control Professional!
If you’re looking for pest control Portland services to kill termites and keep your home bug-free, we can help! Our team of professionals is ready and willing to provide the high-quality service that will help ensure these pests don’t get out of hand. Let us know what kind of treatment you need – we’ll be more than happy to provide it! Call us today!
