When the average homeowner hears the word termite, they usually imagine the worst. Termites can do a great deal of damage to a home and no one wants to face paying for extermination and making repairs. If you’ve done your spring checklist for your home and you’ve noticed a termite problem, you need to address it as quickly as possible.
Termites can completely destroy a home in a very short period of time. This is why it is important to have an annual termite inspection performed by a professional extermination company. Even with good preventive maintenance, it is possible for termites to get into your home. When this happens, it is time to call a professional.
Professional exterminators know the right methods to use to get rid of termites. They will inspect your property and provide you recommended solutions. Once treated, the termites should disappear, but you will still have to perform annual inspections and take some steps to prevent the termites from returning.
Check for Trees Touching Your Home
Take a walk around your home and check to see if any trees are touching your house. If they are, they need to be cut back or trimmed. If you have landscaping close to your home, you should check to ensure nothing is touching the house. It is best to keep landscaping at least three feet away from the house and foundation. No matter how beautiful the landscaping, if it is attracting termites, it needs to be moved.
Check for Any Water Leaks
Termites love moisture and they will build a hive where they find any. If you find a leak, get it repaired immediately. Dripping or pooling water is very attractive to termites. A regular home inspection will help prevent leaks and it is a good idea to check the plumbing every three months.
It is also important to ensure there is good drainage all-around your home. Check all appliances to ensure they are completely draining and ensure all the gutters are free of clutter. Termites will gather anywhere water collects, so eliminate any standing water or drainage problems.
Check That Wood
Most homeowners know that termites love wood. This means you must perform a regular inspection of any wood trim or siding on your home. Also check wood doors, steps, the porch, and windows. Never bring a wood item into your home unless you know it’s been treated for termites. For patios and decks that attach to your home, it is a good idea to use stone or metal.
You should also perform regular inspections on all interior wood in your home, especially in the attic and the basement or crawl space, also don’t forget to check your deck if you had used composite wood.
Use Termite-Treated Wood
If you are planning any home improvements or modifications, use termite-treated wood. Never use wood that is untreated because termites can infest this type of wood and then spread to the rest of your house. Also, be careful about making holes or other possible entryways for termites while working on your home. If you are planning any home improvements or modifications, use termite-treated wood. Never use wood that is untreated because termites can infest this type of wood and then spread to the rest of your house. Also, be careful about making holes or other possible entryways for termites while working on your home. Make sure you clean thoroughly your carpentry tools, especially your table saw. If you aren’t skilled with carpentry work, consider hiring a contractor to make any home improvements. It will be worth the money to prevent a termite infestation.
You should also perform regular inspections on all interior wood in your home, especially in the attic and the basement or crawl space. Look for holes, rippling or shavings of wood. These could mean the presence of termites.
Keep Your Lawn Neat
It is also important to keep your lawn mowed and trimmed, especially near the house. Termites like to make nests in tall grass and then move into the house. It is also a good idea to do as many precautions against pests as possible when you build. Placing screens under the foundation of the house can help prevent termites from entering. This may be an added expense but will be worth it later on.
Professional Exterminator Advice
Aaron Cunningham of Treebark, one of the renowned Santa Ana Termite inspection companies suggests that if you see evidence of termites, call a professional exterminator as quickly as possible. These professionals know how to permanently remove termites and will help prevent them from returning. It is often a good idea to set up pest control on a regular schedule. This helps prevent any future infestations and takes care of other pest problems at the same time.
When you are hiring a professional exterminator, be sure to get at least three quotes. Ask about the methods used and their guarantee for results. This is not an area where you want to scrimp, so compare quotes and make your decision based on the services provided and the warranty. You want to know the exterminator will return to handle any follow-up issues and that the work is guaranteed.
Taking these steps can help prevent termites from ever infesting your home. Schedule regular inspections and take action as soon as you see signs of termites. This will help you protect your home from termite damage.
