21 January 2022
 Categories: , Blog

Termites can be hard to detect to the untrained eye until they have done too much damage. Telltale signs of a termite infestation include mud tunnels on surfaces, winged 'swarmer' termites or shed wings on window sills, and rotting or hollow wood with bits of dust around the edges.

Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to deal with termites yourself because they live in colonies and show up by the thousands. You may need help from a termite removal service to get rid of them all.

However, certain preventive termite control measures can help you save your home foundation, furniture, and other things from damage by termites. Take a look at these termite preventive measures.

Get Rid of Moisture

Termites are attracted by moisture, sources of food, and warm shelter. Therefore, try to keep the soil around your foundation or window sill as dry as possible through properly installed gutters or splash blocks.

Also, ensure that you fix leaks in your home as fast as possible. Leaking faucets, water heaters, air conditioner condensation lines, or water pipes can create enough moisture to invite a termite infestation.

Also, regularly inspect your basement, crawl spaces, or other dark spots. If you notice any decay or other telltale signs on your walls, vents, or other surfaces, contact a termite control expert before the problem becomes worse.

If you live in a humid area piling up magazines, newspapers, or cardboards can also attract termites. Fortunately, a humidifier can help remove excess moisture in your home. And if you notice infested furniture, either old or new, take it outside and let it dry in the sun for a few days.

Cut Off the Food Supply

As mentioned earlier, thousands of termites crawling around your home will do untold damage. You need to eliminate any wood in contact with soil as much as you can. Your foundation, wood lattice, wooden steps, window sills, door frames, among other items, should be protected from soil contact if you can. Because termites prefer to feed on wood, removing any potential food sources can go a long way.

For example, doors and window sills should be a few inches above the ground. Other items like wood steps or lattice can also have a concrete foundation offering protection.

Having a garden or flower bed around your home is undoubtedly beautiful, but be sure to leave a gap in between. Remember to also adjust your irrigation system or sprinkler to sprinkle water away from any wooden surfaces.

It's also advisable to keep lumber or firewood away from your walls. The timber may already be infested, or worse still, they will create an entryway for termites into your home.

For more information, contact a local company, like Good News Pest Solutions.