Your home could provide a veritable buffet for termites: wood, wallpaper, cardboard, books, flooring...you name it, they just may eat it. Fortunately, keeping them at bay is easier than getting rid of them. If you know what to look for and how to prevent them, you can take proactive steps to protect your home from termite damage.
Soil & Wood...Wood & Moisture: Matches made in termite heaven
Termites love wood and gain access by burrowing through soil until they hit the jackpot. In moist areas, damp wood provides an added temptation both inside and outside of your home. Avoid attracting termites with these simple tips.
Prevent pooling water:
- Maintain downspouts and gutters so water drains away from your home and debris, leaves and water do not build up
- Slope ground away from your home so water runs off
- Fix leaky pipes
- Properly ventilate areas where moisture can build up: crawl spaces, bathrooms, etc.
- Avoid wood mulch and heavy vegetation around your foundation
- Check under splash blocks and around firewood piles for termite activity
Keep dirt and wood away separated:
- Store wood and debris piles away from the side of your home. If you don't need it - throw it away.
- Remove old tree stumps and roots near or under your home
- Avoid storing wood, cardboard and paper products directly on dirt floors of crawlspaces. Use a storage rack for firewood.
- Maintain ground clearance under fences and a 6-inch boundary between the ground and wood portions of your home (porch steps, lattices, door and window frames)
- Use pressurized wood or alternative materials on decks and patios and try to avoid direct soil - wood contact
Even the most conscientious termite prevention approach can be impacted by local termite infestation patterns - and you can't always control what your neighbors may do to attract pests. If you suspect termites, contact a pest control professional to learn about treatments that can help. Western offers two proven termite protection plans backed by our Money-Back Guarantee. Call 1-866-712-6573.