Preventing And Treating A Termite Infestation
A termite is an incredibly destructive insect. For any homeowner that wants to protect their home, an active stance in the prevention and treatment of a termite infestation is critical. To make certain you are on track to protect your home, be sure that you are informed.
Control Moisture
Moisture problems and termite infestation easily go hand-in-hand because the insect has an attraction to moisture. Routinely inspect the interior and exterior of your home for leaking pipes and standing water. You should also ensure your HVAC system is adequately controlling the humidity level inside your home. Moisture in any form can attract these insects, not to mention, cause other damage to your home.
Eliminate Clutter
Make an effort to keep the exterior areas of your home free and clutter, especially clutter that will rest up against the side of your home. Large piles of wood, rotted storage sheds, and any other debris that is rested up against your home can attract termites, who will eventually make their way from the clutter to your home. The better you do at keeping the exterior clutter-free, the more protected you are.
Repair Damages
Inspect the exterior of your home for damage. Loose weather stripping, holes, and cracks are just some of the red flags to keep an eye out for around exterior walls and your foundation. This sort of damage provides an easy pathway for termites to creep inside your home. Repairing this damage will not necessarily keep termites away, but it will prevent these insects from having easy access to your home.
Learn Warning Signs
One especially helpful thing is to ensure you know what the warning signs of an infestation look like. Wood tunnels, termite droppings, hard-to-open windows and doors, and in extreme cases, noticeably hollower pieces of wood are some signs to look out for. Should you notice any of these problems, you want to act quickly.
Choose Professional Treatment
The potential for termite damage is significant; given the risks, it is not always a good idea to rely on DIY efforts for treating the infestation. The better course of action is to hire a pest control professional to correctly identify and target the termites, as well as provide you with specific steps to prevent a future infestation.
If you suspect you have an infestation, it is best to contact a termite service as soon as possible. The quicker you react, the better position you will be in to protect your home.