Helpful Steps to Maintaining an Anti-Termite Home
Many homeowners are now choosing to have anti-termite chemicals utilized during the foundation pouring of their houses. Unfortunately, there is only so much protection that these anti-termite chemicals can provide. Termites are tenacious fiends, cause over a billion dollars a year in damage, and are a bear to get rid of. To protect your home and your bank account implement these helpful anti-termite steps and rest a bit easier at night.
Keep it Dry
Living things require water, and termites are no exception to the rule. It’s very important to eliminate any sources of water if you want to make your property less attractive to potential termite colonists. Water sources may be as small as a leaky faucet or mulch in high humidity locations, so diligence is the key here.
Start by identifying and fixing any leaks in or around your home. Make sure that your outside spigots have a tight seal on them and don’t drip, since the spigots are usually attached to the house itself, and therefore conveniently located next to a primary food source.
Standing water is also a good source of water for termites, and can unfortunately be hiding in places you wouldn’t expect. An old tire swing no longer hung, for instance, is a prime location for water to pool, either from rain or simply dew. Be sure to also check your gutters and waterlines as well, since they tend to leak if they get a clog.
Sealing Solutions
Termites build elaborate transit systems beneath the ground to enable them to travel, and possibly invade your home. Because of this, many infestations begin in the foundation of your home.
Anti-termite chemicals are popular during the house-building process, but if you bought an older home you would not have had a say in whether or not the previous owners went this route. This can be remedied by thoroughly checking your home’s foundation for any cracks or holes. If you find any, it is imperative that you get them sealed immediately. A crack in the concrete or wall is an open invitation for these voracious eaters.
Additionally, there are anti-termite chemicals and repellants that an exterminator can use to offer further protection for your home and yard. Many of these companies will also be able to refer you to a termite expert that can check for termite damage and nip the problem in the bud if necessary.
Starve Them
If the termites don’t detect a food source, they won’t bother setting up shop. If you like to garden, however, you may be laying out a tempting appetizer for the termites and compelling them to stay.
Many garden plants require mulch of some sort to help insulate them and assist in the watering process. Unfortunately, mulch is an excellent source of food for termites since it consists of wood. If your garden is too close to the house and you use mulch in it, it is only a short distance to your home and walls. Opt instead for rubberized mulch. Rubber mulch is available in many gardening stores and acts just as regular mulch, but without the risk of attracting pests.
Additionally, people with wood burning fireplaces also run a higher risk of termite infestation if they do not properly care for their firewood. If firewood is piled up outside on the ground, it is only a matter of time before a colony will establish itself there. Consider keeping this wood far away from your home, or if that’s not feasible, placing it on a high metal stand. Remember, termites dig through the ground, so they will be able to sense food sources that are in contact with their soil.
For other preventative tips, be sure to contact your exterminator.