Termites are tiny, yet cause huge destruction. They feast on wood and other cellulose materials in homes. A single infestation can cost thousands if not stopped. Prevention is best to keep termites away. But, sometimes they find a way in. Knowing the warning signs and taking precautionary steps can help protect your home.
This article will discuss how to prevent, control, and treat them. We’ll also offer tips on how to keep termite activity under control even if they make it in. Following these measures will help protect your property from further damage:
Prevention Tips
Termite infestations? Costly, destructive and time-consuming! That’s why it’s a must to know how to keep ’em out of your home. Here are some tips:
- No access to wood or other materials.
- Seal all foundation gaps/cracks.
- Maintain your landscaping.
Let’s have a closer look.
Inspect for signs of infestation
Inspecting for signs of termite infestation is key to prevention. Check decaying wood, caulk around windows, and other areas with high moisture. Termites can leave frass and damage near the infested area.
Not all signs are visible. Professional inspection once a year is recommended for homes in high-risk areas. If any sign of infestation is found, contact a pest management professional right away.
Reduce moisture in and around your home
Prevent termite infestations by reducing excess moisture around your home. Seal cracks in foundations or walls, and unclog gutters and drains. Lower interior humidity levels with dehumidifiers, below 65%. Use outdoor cooling systems that supply plants with exact amounts of water needed.
Ensure adequate ventilation in attics and crawlspaces to prevent mold growth and damp conditions that attract termites. An expert inspection may help locate potential moisture-producing objects or areas.
Eliminate food sources
Termites eat wood and other cellulose-containing items like paper, cardboard, and fabric. They like damp, dark areas. Therefore, it’s important to use the right storage techniques for cellulose-rich materials. Seal them in containers or bags and keep them away from high moisture places like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Any outdoor wood should be covered with insect repellant or sealant to stop termites from eating it.
Also, it is important to remove any food sources that may invite termites. This includes things like:
- Spilled sugar, syrup or honey on kitchen surfaces
- Pet food left outdoors
- Organic matter compost piles near your home
Keeping a clean environment is essential to prevent termites and other pests!
Seal cracks and crevices
Stop termites from getting into your home:
- Seal cracks and crevices with silicone-based sealant or caulk.
- Block gaps around plumbing and pipes.
- Check foundation and exterior wall seams, windows, and doors for entry points.
- Inspect your home annually for sealant wear.
Store firewood away from your home
Store firewood away from your home! Keep it 20 feet away and on gravel, concrete, or pallets. Make sure it doesn’t touch your siding or foundation. Check for moisture and water-damaged wood. Clear out sources of moisture. Periodically inspect items for signs of termites. Doing this can help prevent a possible infestation.
Keep gutters and drains clear
Preventing termite infestations starts with keeping gutters and drains clean. Clogged gutters can bring humidity and moisture to a building, attracting termites. To reduce the chance of wood contacting your property, check and clean gutters regularly.
Additionally, remove dead plants, refuse, and damp materials from your home. The less moisture content, the better for avoiding termites. Periodically check downpipes and drains for excessive moisture that could get into wood structures near your home or business.
Use termite-resistant materials
Use termite-resistant materials when possible to reduce the risk of an infestation. Natural woods and treated lumber are good for fencing and exterior structures. Check treated wood for signs of damage from pests, weathering or age. Replace rotted wood with materials that don’t contain cellulose, such as steel, concrete, or vinyl siding.
Seal any entry points around your home and in the foundation. This will help prevent termites from entering.
Treatment Options
Do you have a termite issue? There are a bunch of treatments to choose from! Chemical, baiting, spot, and fumigation are some of the most popular ways to deal with them. We’ll break down each one in this section and help you decide which one is best for you.
Let’s explore the different treatments:
- Chemical
- Baiting
- Spot
- Fumigation
Contact a professional exterminator
Suspect termites? Act fast and call a pro exterminator! These experts are trained to accurately identify termites and develop a treatment plan. Common professional treatments include fumigation, liquid treatments and baiting systems.
- Fumigation is an efficient way to eradicate pests in an enclosed structure with toxic gas.
- Liquid treatments require specialized tools and offer long-term protection when applied correctly.
- Baiting systems drop insecticides into the source of the termite infestation, killing them quickly and safely.
Use baiting systems
Baiting systems are a way homeowners use to prevent termite damage. The system is designed to attract and capture subterranean termites and observe their activity. Instead of toxicants, modern baiting systems use food sources like polystyrene beads or cardboard disks with insect growth regulators (IGRs).
Pest control professionals use different kinds of bait, depending on the termite species. To cover large areas, four levels of bait compartments can be put in metal stations. Experts inspect the area first before installing the system. They also check regularly to make sure the system works. If successful, the ants will touch an IGR toxin and their colony will be killed off.
Use chemical treatments
Chemical treatments are a great way to get rid of termites. These treatments can be:
- Soil-applied products, like liquid termiticides, are injected into the soil around the home’s foundation to keep termites away from food.
- Baiting systems place bait stations near termite activity and check them often. If there are termites, they are treated with foam or a termiticide.
- Wood preservative systems use a non-toxic material to protect door and window frames. This waxy material repels the insects and stops them from burrowing.
- Liquid spraying of the perimeter is an effective way to target adults or those crawling outside of their tunnels. When used properly, these sprays are safe for children and pets, due to their quick drying time.
Conclusion
Preventing termite infestations is the best way to protect your home. Learn what attracts them, practice proper home maintenance, and use the right insecticides. If you think you have an existing termite problem, it’s wise to contact a pest control specialist. They can eliminate active colonies and provide lasting protection.
Don’t become a statistic in costly home repairs. Stay on top of prevention efforts. Have regular inspections & surveys, and take any warning signs seriously. This can save time, money, and stress in the long run!
- Learn what attracts termites.
- Practice proper home maintenance.
- Use the right insecticides.
- Contact a pest control specialist if you suspect a problem.
- Have regular inspections & surveys.
- Take any warning signs seriously.