Tips for Treating Termites
Termites are capable of eating a massive hole not only through your home's structure, but through your wallet too. They are one of the most commonly known pests, as they raid many homes in the United States annually. The earlier your protect your home from potential termite infestation, the less severe the damage will be if they ever do infest your property. As the termite control experts, we've put together are a quick list of a few tips to guard your property against these evil little pests.
Inspect Your Foundation Regularly
If you happen to live in a termite prone environment, it is highly recommended to check the foundation of your property each season to make sure there are no signs of termite activity. Make it a habit to inspect your foundation and look for any signs of damage, so that you can arrange for a termite treatment plan before it becomes out of hand. Termites do not eat concrete, however, they create mud tubes, which are one of the tell-tale signs that termites are scaling your foundation in search of wood. If you notice mud tubes around your house, it's definitely time to take a closer look at your foundation, and maybe even call in for a professional inspection to ensure your house is safe.
Flashlight
One of the easiest ways to check for termites is to take a flashlight and check your basement or crawlspace. Take a close look around for signs of mud tubes or damaged woods, and make sure to pay special attention to all edges and corners.
Conduct a Thumb Test
This is one of the oldest, yet most accurate ways to inspect your wood. Simply press your thumb into the wood, and if it gives, it means you already have unwanted visitors living in the house.
Moisture Control
Termites are attracted to moisture and wood. To prevent them from invading your home, maintain proper ventilation and sealing. Wrong ventilation in the basement or attic can build up condensation, which can soak the wood and make it all too habitable for termites. It's importnat to note that condensation causes mildew and for the wood to rot, allowing moisture to build up behind your walls without appropriate sealing and moisture barriers.
How to Prevent Termites in Your Yard
The last thing you want to see are termites lurking around your vicinity or yard. Even the thought of it should make you want to inspect right away! Using termite bait stations to distract them from entering your home can help in preventing them. Also, the bait stations help you to destroy the nest before the termites can do any damage to your property.
Stock Wood Piles Away from the House
We'll put this one plainly for you. If you can help it, you should keep wood piles far, far away from your home. It's easy for termites to move from external wood to siding and interior wood, so don't even leave them the opportunity. Storing wood piles close to your house gives them the chance to invade your home quickly.
Trim Shrubs and Trees
While living vegetation is beautiful, it can also serve as an attractant to termites. So regularly trim trees and shrubs and keep them away from your home. Also, when taking care of your bushes and plants, do not push mulch up against your property. If you have trees around the house, make sure the limbs are not touching or close to your home.
If you have siding and decks, separate them from the soil by at least 18 inches. This will deter termites from trying to infest. You can use a gravel bed, as it serves as DIY termite control, as well as good drainage.
Termiticide
Use termiticide to protect wood that has not been located by termites. you can use it around fences, sheds, and decks or similar areas. You can dig a trench and apply termiticide especially when you just over a harrowing termite problem. To make sure there is no chance for re-occurrence, dig a trench around the whole problem area and fill it with a foam-based, non-repellent insecticide. The non-repellent prevents termites from not sniffing out the danger ahead, and as soon as they move through it they will die.
Call a Professional
Last but not least, if you fear that you have a termite problem that may be out of your comfort zone, just call your local pest control company for help. Go-Forth Pest Control is company that serves areas across North and South Carolina, and can help you today. Many aren't aware of what they're getting into if they're suspicious of termites, or cannot detect how severe the infestation may be. Don't leave any opportunity for them to destroy your home any further, call Go-Forth immediately for a quote today!
