The days are getting longer and the temperatures are getting warmer and soon termites will start emerging. While these destructive pests don’t hibernate, they do become less active in the fall and winter. Then, once spring arrives, they’ll emerge, looking for a new structure to infest.
When it comes to protecting your home from these damaging pests, prevention is key, so let’s take a look at some top tips to help prevent termites.
Keep Your Home Dry
Termites are attracted to moisture, especially subterranean termites. They’re more likely to infest your home if the soil is always moist. To keep your home and foundation dry, redirect sprinklers away from your home, clean your gutters, repair leaky faucets, and ensure your windows, roofing, and siding are in good condition.
Reduce Moisture and Humidity in Your Crawl Space
Crawl spaces are dark and damp places, making them very favorable for many pests, including termites. Sealing your crawl space with a vapor barrier, will help protect your home from mold, and make it inhospitable to termites. As added benefits, vapor barriers also improve your energy efficiency and your home’s comfort.
Don’t Store Firewood Close To Your Home
It may seem convenient to stack firewood right outside your home, so you have easy access to it but you may want to reconsider. Termites love nothing more than wood and having it stacked against your home will provide them with an easy way to gain access into your home. Instead, stack firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and on an elevated surface to help keep termites away.
Use Mulch Sparingly
Many homeowners use mulch to decorate their landscaping and provide their plants with health benefits, however improper use of mulch can lead to termite issues. Termites are attracted to mulch because it retains moisture and provides insulation. Mulch made of wood chips are an even bigger attractant because of their wood content. If you are looking for another material to decorate your landscaping with, clay, stones, and ground-covering plants are good alternatives.
Professional Termite Prevention
Termites are one of the most destructive household pests in the world. When they invade a home, they’ll infest and feed on any wood you have in your home, including beams, frames, and walls–which could cause serious structural damage to your home.
Be sure to schedule regular inspections with your local pest control professional to keep your property safe from termites and other pests. Antworks Pest Control has served the entire Portland OR and Vancouver WA area since 2005. We specialize in environmentally safe and effective pest control. Give us a call today for professional termite prevention and control.
