Do you know that white ants or termites can decrease a home’s value by as much as 25%? Also, termites can cause more damage to houses than floods, storms, and fires combined. Unfortunately, most home insurance policies do not cover termite-related damages as they can be prevented with proper pest control and maintenance.
Finding the right termite control measure is essential. As more cities continue to expand to woodland areas, termite attacks will become more prevalent. Your home is your most significant investment, and you need to protect it.
Prevention Strategies
If you live in a new house, here are some practical ways to avoid dreaded termite attacks:
1. Firewood or any untreated lumber shouldn’t be stored alongside your home.
2. Always inspect your home’s gutters and downspouts to make sure water can flow freely.
3. Trim shrubs, vines, and bushes touching your home’s foundation. This will help control the termite population.
4. Don’t forget to check your home’s windows and doors, especially if these were made from wood. If you see termite damage, replace parts such as door jamb sets to prevent further ruin.
5. Install barriers around or under your house. Barriers can be either physical (metal or crushed rock) or chemical (in-plastics or in-soil). These will help prevent termites from entering your home.
6. Check for any leaking pipes or faucets around your home. If you find any, repair them immediately. Moisture attracts termites, and it needs to be controlled.
7. Watch out for swarm season; this is when termites look for new homes to build a new colony. This happens after a rain event or spring. It’s recommended to turn off outdoor lights at night as these will attract termite drones or “swarmers.” You can opt to move outdoor lights away from windows and doors and move them to recessed areas instead.
8. Do not destroy or break open termite mounds or mud tunnels. If you see any termites within your property, contact a pest control service. They can identify the type of termites and treatments needed to control them.
9. When adding a new veranda, awning, or even new plumbing, consider the previous termite protection installed. Any alteration or changes made in your home or its area can affect the old protection system.
10. Check your home’s exterior for cracks and other signs of damage. Cracks and unscreened vents will invite termites into your house. Contact a licensed carpenter or contractor in your area to help you repair these damages.
11. Homes designed with suspended floors should always be well-ventilated. Don’t block the ventilation to these areas to keep them dry and moisture-free.
12. An annual home inspection should always be scheduled to avoid costly repairs. This will help diagnose any areas of concern and control a termite colony. Expensive treatments like fumigation can also be avoided through early detection.
The Bottom Line
We hope that these pointers will help you prevent termites from invading your home. Remember that a finely-maintained home can last your entire lifetime.
