Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Space

3 Simple Solutions To Prevent Termites

25 January 2017 by Delores Chavez

Cleaning and maintenance are important parts of home ownership. Tasks such as shampooing the carpet, washing windows, and repairing leaking faucets will keep your home appealing, functional, and valuable, but other tasks are also needed to protect your home. While shocking to learn, homeowners in the United States spent more than $2 billion on repairing structural damage caused by termites. Eradicating a termite infestation is possible, but prevention is best to avoid damage to your home. Here are a few simple solutions to prevent a termite infestation at home.

Clean Up

Termites, and other pests, are attracted to food, so removing their main feeding source, wood, is a great place to start with prevention.

Walk around your yard and remove any scrap lumber or firewood that is near your home's exterior. Most people will stack project wood or firewood a few feet away from their home, but termites can travel and infest the siding, roof, and foundation quickly.

Dry Up

You may not notice excess moisture in and around your home, but even the smallest amount of water can lure termites to your house.

To get started drying up these areas of moisture, focus on your landscaping first. Dew can build up on the grass and plants close to your home. Be sure to mow your lawn and trim shrubbery and trees regularly to reduce moisture content near your crawlspace and exterior siding.  

Remove any unused pots and planters from around your home, as well. These containers allow rain and other sources of moisture to sit and become stagnant, increasing the risk of termites and other pests from infesting your home. It is also important to check decorative accessories, toys, patio furniture, and other outdoor items for water. If these items must be left outdoors, make sure they remain dry and clean.

Check your crawlspace for a vapor barrier. This plastic sheeting protects the interior walls of your crawlspace, but it also reduces moisture content in the space. This moisture barrier will prevent termites, cockroaches, mice, beetles, spiders, and other pests from entering your home.

Spread It

Visit your local garden or home improvement retailer to purchase Diatomaceous Earth. Available in a fine powder or small pellets, Diatomaceous Earth contains crystalline and amorphous, which are pesticides created naturally. Using DE around your home allows you to effectively repel insects without harmful chemicals that may harm your health or the environment.

Termites can wreak havoc on your home and finances, but prevention is possible. With these tips and the help of a professional exterminator, you can reduce the risk of a termite infestation at home. For more information, contact a business such as Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control.

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