Each year, termite create property damage that costs billions of dollars to fix.
The last thing you want is to have your home infested with these dangerous insects due to a lack of preparation. Rather than waiting until your home is being torn apart by termites to act, you need to find a way to get out in front of this problem.
The following are some of the things you can do to avoid termite damage.
1. Getting Rid of Excessive Moisture
One of the first things a termite removal company will tell a homeowner to do when trying to get rid of termites is to eliminate excess moisture in and around the residence. If there are puddles of standing water all around your residence, it is only a matter of time before termites come running. Finding out what is causing these exterior leaks and fixing them will pay off when you are able to keep termites at bay.
Termites can also flock to internal water leaks in a home. Usually, areas like crawlspaces and even basements are breeding grounds for excessive moisture. Having a crawlspace insulated or a basement finished can eliminate these issues with ease. Consulting with a pest control professional is the best way to find out about termite prevention.
2. Avoid Letting Your Home Fall Into a State of Disrepair
Did you know that termites commonly use damaged areas of a home to get access to the wood they crave? This is why you need to avoid letting your home fall into a state of disrepair when trying to avoid a termite infestation.
Routinely inspecting your home for damage will help you find and address these issues in a timely manner. When performing these inspections, be sure to look at your shingles, soffits and fascia. You also need to pay close attention to the condition of your foundation and your windows.
Sealing up any gaps you may find in the doors or windows of your home can be a great way to keep termites out. You should also focus on maintaining a foot and a half gap between any wood portions of your home and the soil around your foundation.
3. Work On Eliminating the Termite’s Food Source
A surefire way to avoid a termite infestation is by working to eliminate any materials these pests may use for food. Things like paper, cardstock and even paperboard can be used as food by termites. One of the main components of these materials is cellulose, which termites absolutely love.
You need to also work on removing any dead trees or firewood you may have laying around your home. Leaving this material in place is basically inviting termites into your home. If you are not comfortable with removing dead trees on your own, calling in a reputable tree service is a great idea. You can search for tree removal seattle companies online to find reputable services.
4. Work With Experienced Pest Control Professionals
While there are a number of things you can do on your own to prevent a termite infestation, hiring a professional to help can be beneficial. These professionals will know how to spot a potential termite problem and what to do to get rid of these pests. Before hiring a pest control professional, be sure to find out more about the experience they have.
Keeping a home termite-free can be a difficult job. The hard work you invest to keep these pests at bay will pay off in the long run.
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