Check for termites and damage inside and outside your foundation, crawl space, and support piers. They may attempt to establish a colony beneath your home. These termites build their homes in dry wood, as the name implies, and some termites live underground. Look for sawdust-like material around your home’s holes and cracks.
Eliminate Wood in Contact with the Ground
Termite infestations are common when wood components of a building come into direct contact with soil. They access food from earth-to-wood connections and direct, hidden entry into the building. Wood siding, door and window frames, and other architectural elements should be at least six inches above ground level. To avoid wood-to-soil contact, remove soil or mulch from the foundation, cut the bottom of wood latticework, or support steps or posts on a concrete base.
Prevent Moisture Build-up
Termites are attracted to moisture and will infest if the soil next to the foundation is consistently moist. Repairs should be made to leaking faucets, pipes, and air conditioning units. Vulnerable areas should be kept clear of leaves, dirt, and debris, and vegetation should not obstruct them. Installing soil cover that acts as a vapor barrier to reduce evaporation from the soil and condensation of moisture on joists and subflooring can help to reduce moisture and humidity in crawl spaces.
Never Store Firewood Inside Crawl Spaces
Firewood, lumber, cardboard boxes, newspapers, and other similar materials attract termites and serve as a food source. When stacked against foundations, they provide a hidden entry point into the structure and may allow termites to avoid termiticide-treated soil.
Do you want to save a lot of money on home repairs? Millions of homes are infested with termites each year. They are wood-eating insects that can eat you alive. While you may not see any signs of termite damage in your home, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a silent, ongoing termite infestation causing structural damage. By having your home inspected, you may detect damage before it is too late, or you may be able to prevent damage from affecting your most significant investment.
How to Protect Your Home from Termites?
Termites are known as “the silent destroyers” because they are often undetected by the untrained eye until it is too late. While you’re enjoying the benefits of home ownership, these little guys could be feasting on your home’s structure from the inside out. Here are some termite-resistance tips for your home:
Inspect your Foundation and Crawl Space
Consider Your Home Treated by a Professional
Buildings have numerous natural openings that termites can enter, most of which are concealed. While the measures listed above will help make the structure less appealing to termites, the most effective way to prevent infestation is to protect it with a termiticide. Preventive termite treatment is a wise investment, especially if the structure has never been treated.
Final Thoughts
Preventative measures and an annual inspection will reduce the likelihood of structural damage. A termite inspection is indeed the best way to identify existing damage and prevent further infestation. At Vinx Pest Control, we are confident that our service is first-rate. We will help you catch the damage before it’s too late or prevent damage from ever impacting your most significant investment.