Tips For Detecting & Preventing Termite Infestations
May 14th, 2018
A termite infestation can cause costly damage to your home and ruin your day. Unfortunately, most infestations go unnoticed until the damage has already been done. To protect your home, use the guide below to learn how to detect and prevent a termite infestation.
Detecting Termites
Locating termites in the home can be difficult because they rarely emerge from the soil, mud tubes, or sources of food that they are tunneling through. Most homeowners are unaware of an infestation until they start a construction project and see the damage or they see a swarm.
However, detecting termites earlier is not impossible; you just need to know what to look for. Start by examining and probing any exposed wood around the house. Look for hollow spots and other signs of damage using a flathead screwdriver. You should also familiarize yourself with what a termite swarm looks like. The wings of these insects are equal in length and their antennae are straight. If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it may be best to hire a professional to perform a termite inspection.
Preventing an Infestation
Prevention is another important step when handling an infestation. Use these tips to make your home less appealing to termites.
During construction, build the home with a concrete foundation. Create a ventilation area between the wood and soil. Cover wood surfaces with a sealant or a metal barrier.
After construction, ensure the soil around the foundation stays dry by using correct grading and drainage, like gutter systems.
Seal openings that may allow termites to enter the home, like cracks in cement or around pipes.
- If leaks occur, fix them as soon as possible.
- Refrain from planting shrubs and trees too close to the home. It’s especially important to prevent them from growing against exposed wood.
- Don’t block any vents with plants or other objects.
- Store firewood and wood debris away from the home.
- Inspect the home regularly to check for signs of termite damage.
