In any area that is known to have a termite problem, the best and most effective strategy to protect your home, trees and other structures such as garages, sheds, and wooden fences is to use a professional termite service.
Pest control companies can come out and complete an inspection of your property, identify any termite issues, and recommend a treatment and termite prevention plan; however, there are also some preventative measures you can take as a property owner that will discourage termites from hanging around.
To begin a routine of termite prevention on your property, make the following tasks a semi-annual routine around the house. It is a good idea to do these once in the spring and once in the fall to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Improve drainage – if you notice moisture along the sides of your home, particularly in the soil, change the drainage to make sure the soil stays dry by the home. Moist soil will attract termites and make it easier to gain entrance through wood structural components.
- Fix drips – if your outside AC unit or window AC unit drips, or if you have leaking pipes or faucets on the exterior of the home, get them fixed.
- Check wood surfaces – window and door frames made of wood are often a prime location for termites to gain entrance into a home. Look for signs of degradation or tunnels that show the presence of termites on the surface.
- Check the skirting and where the foundation meets the walls – look for any signs of change in the skirting materials or where the foundation of the home meets the walls. Mud tubes, hollow areas, or signs of chewing on the surface are all indicators that termites are present.
Another tip for termite prevention is to remove any and all dead wood from your property as soon as possible. If you have a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, do not store firewood close to the home and, if possible, do not even keep it on the property at all if it is not being used frequently.
