Termites can infest any home at any time. The best way to achieve termite control is to understand and practice termite prevention. Protecting a home begins with knowing the signs and the conditions that termites prefer so that you can reduce the chances that they find your home a tasty treat. You may already have termite damage and not even realize it.
Subterranean termites nest in the ground. They prefer wood that touches the ground directly. Any wood that touches the ground is a primary candidate for termite damage. Siding and lattice work are common areas where an infestation begins. Ideal termite prevention requires that a homeowner scout out such problem areas and remove wood from contact with the ground.
Unlike drywood termites, subterranean termites need direct access to moisture. They seek out damp wood. Look for problems with gutters and downspouts or rainwater runoff. Areas where water collects close to the structure are a serious concern. Good termite prevention requires that all moisture or runoff be diverted away from the structure.
If your home has a crawlspace or attic, it should be checked for moisture or buildup of water. While not every house has a crawlspace, they attract moisture because of the nature of their construction. Construction often routes ventilation systems, such as from a laundry room or bathroom into these spaces, trapping moisture. Correction of these problems can go a long way towards termite prevention.
Mulch can also be a problem when it comes to termite prevention. To prevent termites from entering a home through these mulched areas, it's important to make sure that the mulch doesn't touch wood siding or other wood structures around the home.
Firewood can be another potential problem when it comes to termite prevention. Far too many homeowners collect and store firewood next to the house, even resting against wood siding. Move the firewood to a space in the yard away from the home.
Another overlooked aspect of termite prevention is to have an annual inspection. A termite professional knows the difference between termite damage and rotting wood. They can spot potential problems as well as risky areas. The cost of an inspection is inexpensive compared to the cost of potential damage.
Termite prevention starts by understanding that any home or wooden structure is at risk. By understanding these risks, and knowing what attracts termites, any homeowner can greatly reduce their risks. Termite control begins with knowledge, understanding and a healthy dose of termite prevention. - 30446
Subterranean termites nest in the ground. They prefer wood that touches the ground directly. Any wood that touches the ground is a primary candidate for termite damage. Siding and lattice work are common areas where an infestation begins. Ideal termite prevention requires that a homeowner scout out such problem areas and remove wood from contact with the ground.
Unlike drywood termites, subterranean termites need direct access to moisture. They seek out damp wood. Look for problems with gutters and downspouts or rainwater runoff. Areas where water collects close to the structure are a serious concern. Good termite prevention requires that all moisture or runoff be diverted away from the structure.
If your home has a crawlspace or attic, it should be checked for moisture or buildup of water. While not every house has a crawlspace, they attract moisture because of the nature of their construction. Construction often routes ventilation systems, such as from a laundry room or bathroom into these spaces, trapping moisture. Correction of these problems can go a long way towards termite prevention.
Mulch can also be a problem when it comes to termite prevention. To prevent termites from entering a home through these mulched areas, it's important to make sure that the mulch doesn't touch wood siding or other wood structures around the home.
Firewood can be another potential problem when it comes to termite prevention. Far too many homeowners collect and store firewood next to the house, even resting against wood siding. Move the firewood to a space in the yard away from the home.
Another overlooked aspect of termite prevention is to have an annual inspection. A termite professional knows the difference between termite damage and rotting wood. They can spot potential problems as well as risky areas. The cost of an inspection is inexpensive compared to the cost of potential damage.
Termite prevention starts by understanding that any home or wooden structure is at risk. By understanding these risks, and knowing what attracts termites, any homeowner can greatly reduce their risks. Termite control begins with knowledge, understanding and a healthy dose of termite prevention. - 30446
About the Author:
Russ Frank, the owner of Florida Bug Inspectors, is a pest control expert. He's been helping families and businesses in Tampa solve ant, roach and termite control problems for 25 years. The best way to control termites is to prevent termites from becoming a problem. Contact FBI today.
