Termites are annoying pests that can impair the structural integrity of your home. They love to feed on the wood in your home, whether it’s in the walls or on the furniture. Unfortunately, their small size and incredible hiding capabilities make them challenging to find and get rid of.
It is significantly easier to prevent a termite infestation than to exterminate one. At Ortex Termite & Pest Control, we understand the unique challenges homeowners face regarding pests, especially termites. Our team of experts can help you get rid of termites effectively and prevent further infestations.
Below is a guide to help you protect your home from a termite infestation.
Keep Plants Away From The House
Unfortunately, certain plants can make a welcoming home for termites; they can also hide otherwise apparent signs of termites. To protect your home’s foundation, trim your shrubbery to create at least a foot of space between the plants and your house. This promotes airflow to reduce moisture and makes it easier to spot termite damage.
Another helpful way to maintain shrubbery is to cut your grass regularly and use pine needles as mulch. Unlike traditional wood mulch, pine needles don’t attract termites and are less likely to create moisture.
Reduce The Moisture Around Your Home
Termites love wood and moisture. The University of Minnesota recommends taking these steps to reduce the humidity and moisture buildup around your home and prevent termite infestations:
- Ensure gutters and downspout continue to direct water away from your house
- Point sprinkler systems away from your house
- Make sure the storm drains empty away from your home’s foundation
- Check for leaks around your roof
- Use a dehumidifier or install vapor block barriers in the crawl space
- Keep condensation from the AC system away from the house
Eliminate Or Reduce Termite Food Sources
One of the best ways to prevent a termite infestation is to get rid of their food source. Cellulose is a favorite food for termites. You can often find it in your house’s crawl spaces and mulch.
Cleaning out cellulose material from your crawlspace is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of termites in your home. You can also use cellulose-free materials instead of mulch to keep infestations away.
Since termites love wood, keeping wooden siding six inches away from the ground is essential to keep termites from traveling into your home. It is also helpful to keep rotting trees and tree stumps away from the house.
Other wood products like paper and cardboard contain termite-attracting cellulose. Getting rid of newspapers and boxes once you no longer need them is a simple way to keep the termites away.
Protect The Seals Around Your Home
Termites can enter your home through cracks and gaps in the foundation. Since termites are tiny, they can fit through spaces just over an inch wide.
Sealing certain areas around your home can help prevent termite infestations:
- Cracks around gas and water lines: You can use caulk or foam sealant to close gaps and prevent termite entry and excess moisture effectively
- Pipes: Rusty pipes can crack and leak, creating attractive moisture for termites. If you notice rusty or leaky pipes, seal the leaks and use cement to patch up foundation cracks
Fix Any Leaks
Leaking roofs are a prevalent cause of termite infestations. If you notice any leaks in the ceiling or walls, seal them as quickly as possible.
Scheduling an inspection for your roof and basements can help you find leaks early and provide an effective fix before a termite infestation.
Put Affected Items In the Sun
Since termites love moisture, they hate the warm sun. If you have furniture or other items affected by termites, place them in the sun for at least three days. The sun’s heat will dry the item while killing the termites.
Keeping furniture dry is the best way to prevent further infestation. After leaving the affected item in the sun, use termite spray to ensure that there are no more pests and that your furniture is safe to bring back inside.
Hire A Professional Exterminator
The best way to prevent and get rid of termites is to hire a professional exterminator. At Ortex Termite & Pest Control, we use state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to quickly and effectively rid your home of termites.
We know all the tips and tricks to keep them away and protect your home from future infestations. Call Ortex Termite & Pest Control at (305) 487-8137 to schedule a termite inspection today!
