Termites can infest any home at any time. The best way to achieve termite control is to understand and practice termite prevention. Protecting a home begins with knowing the signs and the conditions that termites prefer so that you can reduce the chances that they find your home a tasty treat. You may already have termite damage and not even realize it.
One type of termite, subterranean termites, lives underground. Unlike drywood termites, they cannot live without access to moisture. They prefer to move directly from the ground into wood. Termite prevention begins by looking for any wood-to-ground contact. If the wood cannot be moved away from the soil, then the soil might have to be moved away from the wood.
Wood that is constantly moist attracts termites the most. They love damp structures. Look everywhere rainfall runoff may occur such as gutters and downspouts. Don’t allow water to pool near the foundation or wooden structures. Termite prevention requires all water to be diverted well away from the home.
Another area of the home to look at for termite prevention is the crawlspace. Not every home has these added spaces, but when they do they can be harbors for trapped moisture. Vents are often routed through these crawlspaces and create a damp environment, ideal for termites and termite damage. Also watch for areas where rainwater may collect.
Many homes feature mulched beds. Anytime mulch is piled against the house, it causes two problems. It provides easy access for termites into the home, and it may also hold moisture against the wood making it even more attractive to termites. Good termite prevention requires all mulch to be pulled away from the house so as to leave a gap between the mulch and the wood.
It’s easy to justify keeping firewood close to a home. After all, in the winter when it’s cold outside, nobody wants to trek out into the elements to gather wood. Yet firewood is often left in the same location throughout the year and this is an attraction for termites. To prevent termites from getting a foothold in the home, make sure firewood is stored away from the structure, preferably far from the home.
Another overlooked aspect of termite prevention is to have an annual inspection. A termite professional knows the difference between termite damage and rotting wood. They can spot potential problems as well as risky areas. The cost of an inspection is inexpensive compared to the cost of potential damage.
Termite prevention starts by understanding that any home or wooden structure is at risk. By understanding these risks, and knowing what attracts termites, any homeowner can greatly reduce their risks. Termite control begins with knowledge, understanding and a healthy dose of termite prevention.
An ounce of termite prevention is worth a pound of termite control. Florida Bug Inspectors has been helping Florida families prevent termite problems for over 25 years. Russ Frank, the owner, is an expert in termite prevention and control. Contact FBI for solutions to your termite problem.
