Your property is a big investment, so you want to make sure it stays in good condition. Termites can be a big threat to this.
If you’re faced with a termite infestation, the structural integrity of your home could be in real danger. This is why it’s so important to make your property less attractive to termites and to deal with any termite problem you identify.
You can find out more about what to do if termites do invade your property. But how can you make this less likely to happen?
What could you be doing to make your property attractive to termites and what changes can you make?
What can Attract Termites to your Home?
- Termites like to colonize an area where there’s access to a food source and to water. Most of the time their chosen food source is wood; the softer and damper, the better. You need to do all you can to make sure your home does not provide this type of environment.
- Remove any piles of wood that are stacked close to the walls of your property. Any wood piles you have should be at least 20 feet away from the main property. They should also be lifted off the ground by around 5 inches. Taking these actions means that termites are not immediately attracted to your home if they come across the wood pile.
- Dead trees and shrubs, and piles of dead leaves are attractive to termites. Make sure your yard is kept clear of any dead and decaying foliage.
- Tree limbs extend too close to your property are an excellent means of invasion for termites. Make sure the trees are pruned back.
- Blocked guttering can cause water to build up around the wood of the roof area of your home. This softens the wood and makes it a perfect food source for termites. Gutters should always be kept free from debris.
Paying attention to these points can make your home less attractive to termites. However, this does not mean an infestation will not take place. You need to be aware of the signs of a termite problem, so you can address the issue as soon as possible.
How can you Tell if you have a Termite Problem?
One of the best ways to identify a termite problem early is to hire professional exterminators to inspect your home. These inspections should happen at least every two years; more often if there is a high incidence of termites in the area where you live. There are also signs of a termite problem that you should look out for.
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Termite Wings
These wings are shed by termites and can be found in small piles around your property.
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Termite Tubes
Termites build mud tubes so that they can easily travel between what they are feeding on and the home of the main colony. You may see these tubes around your property.
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Termite Droppings
Termite droppings look like tiny brown spots around your property.
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Damage to Wooden Structures
Damage to wood caused by termites may not be immediately apparent. Termites gnaw on wood from the inside out. This means by the time the damage is visible it may already be serious.
If you spot any of these signs of a potential termite problem, you should contact the professionals as soon as possible. Doing so helps to stop the damage from getting any worse.
Termites aren’t the only pests that can cause a problem in your home if you let them. For instance, rats can chew electrical wires creating a fire hazard and cockroaches can spread bacteria and disease.
While there’s no 100% guaranteed method of keeping pests out of your home. However, there are measures you can take which make infestation less likely.
