Have a termite problem? You’re not alone! Approximately, 600,000 homes have termite damage in the US each year. This costs Americans around 1 billion dollars to control.
Learn more about how to prevent termites from damaging your home.
Invasion of Termites
First, you’re probably wondering, what are termites? They are small insects that take pride in feeding off of decaying plant matter, logs, and other wet wood.
One sign you may have termite damage is mud tubes. These tubes lead back to the main colony to transport food back and forth. They can span huge distances to make sure there is a reliable source.
Have you seen some brown droppings? These often look like sawdust or salt and pepper based on how much the termites are eating.
Attracting Termites
Without even knowing it, you could be attracting termites to your home. Termites are looking for moist/damp places to call their new feeding ground.
This is why it is so important to make sure the wood in your home and the items around your home are not left wet and damp. This is the perfect feeding ground for termites.
How to Prevent Termites
1. Remove Fire Wood
People often heat their home with firewood and find it easy and convenient to keep it right outside of the door. Sadly, this amount of wood is going to bring the termites closer to your home.
If they are feeding off of this woodpile, there is no reason they can’t travel into your home to feed there too.
2. Clean up Any Dead Foliage
Do you have wet leaves, trees, and dying bushes around? This is something you want to take care of immediately. These things can be lying against your house, in your yard, or further away, in any circumstance, they are attracting termites.
3. Drain Your Water Away
Do you have gutters that simply let the water run from the roof onto the ground? This is one way for the water to seep into the wood foundation of your home and cause a problem. Termites are small enough to not leave any traces until it is too late.
4. Mulch Far Away
Mulch is very appealing to the eye, but it is also a great invitation to termites. If mulch is against your home, think quickly about moving it elsewhere.
Mulch is known to hold water and retain moisture. This is great for plants and trees, but not for your home.
5. Hire An Inspector
Don’t be afraid to have someone check your home for termite damage. This should be done yearly to ensure you are safe. These experts also have knowledge of using a termiticide (which is used to kill and prevent termites).
Stay Safe Today
Pest control of every kind should be considered, but termite damage can cost you a lot of money in the long run. If you live in a warmer/wet climate like the Southeast of the US, you should get inspections more often. Regardless, all homeowners should learn how to prevent termites.
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