How to Protect Your House From Termites
Posted on: 26 April 2017
It's hard to sleep at night after seeing a neighbor's house devastated by termites. Thousands of dollars worth of damage is not uncommon when a home is invaded by tiny wood eaters. If your neighbor's house was damaged by termites recently, you are likely worried about your home becoming the next casualty. Don't let your house suffer the same fate. Follow the advice below to keep termites away from your home.
Keep Your Yard Dry
Termites are more likely to invade your property if they find easy access to water, so check your lawn for puddles. If you find one section of your yard flooded, make sure your drainage system is working properly. Remove leaves, rocks, and debris from drainage pipes to prevent pooling of water in your yard.
Next, remove old umbrellas, tarps, buckets, and other items around your yard that collect rainwater. If these items end up storing water — even in small quantities — termites are more likely to be attracted to your home.
Finally, make sure all gutters are clean and working properly. If the gutters become clogged, water will accumulate around your house. All this water near your home will get the attention of thirsty termites in the area.
Keep the Inside of Your House Dry
In addition to keeping the exterior of your home dry, you also need to keep the interior dry. Check your sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and washing machine to make sure none of them are leaking. If you find any leaks, have them fixed immediately.
Check your walls and ceilings for discoloration caused by water damage. This water damage can be caused by a roof leak or a plumbing issue. Either way, it's vital to find and fix all leaks. You need to locate any sources of water before the termites do, so take your time and inspect the entire house.
Don't Feed the Termites
Dissuade termites from entering your yard by limiting the amount of wood available for them to eat. Keep the plants in your yard trimmed, paying careful attention to trees and bushes close to your house. Dig up old tree stumps, and remove the roots. Keep lumber, mulch, and wooden furniture away from the perimeter of your house as well.
In addition to following the above tips, have your home inspected by a pest control company to ensure your home is safe from termites at all times.
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