Prevent Termites by Following these Tips

Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home and their insatiable hunger for all things wooden can cost you thousands in damage. These insects are an absolute nightmare for homeowners! They can cause severe property damage in a very short amount of time, so it’s important to do everything you can save your home from termites.

Fortunately, you’re not alone. There are several steps that you can take to reduce the risk of termites making a meal out of your most prized possession.

Protect the Exterior of Your Home

Think of the exterior of your home as a gateway that will give termites access to the inside. You need to make sure that this gateway remains protected. Broken tiles on your roof should be fixed as quickly as possible so that termites cannot use it to gain entry into your home. You should also protect air conditioner units and make it so that termites cannot enter using these structures. Make sure that the moisture is being released properly and not onto the foundation of your home.

Protect the Attic

Your attic can serve as a hotspot for an infestation and will go unnoticed for a long time. Wooden beams here are sometimes untreated so termites will see it as an all-you-can-eat buffet! Check for termite damage by pressing your finger against the wood. If it feels spongy, then it is probably infested. In this case, you should call in a professional immediately so that you can rid the problem before it leads to further damage.

Note: Do not store cardboard boxes in the attic. Instead, you should store everything in plastic boxes so that termites are not attracted to it.

Protect the Laundry Room

This area can become a huge hotspot for termites since it’s usually damp and can attract these pests. Plus it’s often neglected as a potential hotspot. It’s even possible for termites to start eating your clothing – rare but possible. You should keep all of your laundry off the floor and away from the walls. Check all pipes to make sure that there are no leaks. Do not give termites a reason to make a nest here.

Protect your Garage

The garage can be a haven for termites to thrive! If you are storing cardboard boxes in the garage, then you are inviting termites to take up residence. Even though the garage itself is relatively safe from infestation, it can become a gateway into your home! This is especially true if you have a storage unit attached to the garage. The best way to prevent termites from infesting your garage is to store all belongings in plastic boxes and store it on the side of the garage furthest away from your home.

Keep your Yard Clean

Tree stumps are a powerful termite magnet! Lots of wood and dampness will call to them. If you have an old tree stump in your yard, then it has a nest of termites living in it. Remove these stumps as quickly as possible.

Final Warning!

If you spot a potential termite infestation, call a professional immediately! It could save you thousands of dollars in the long-term.