Termites can invade your home and do some major damage. For the most part, these bugs form colonies around rotting or soft wood which become their source of food. In particular, homes with lots of wood structures and furniture, as well as homes surrounded by trees or wood piles tend to attract termites.
Gradually termites will move from the piles of wood outside to inside your home and pretty soon they will cause significant damage to your home interior.
Termites and Mulch
Mulch are very attractive to termites because wood chips have moisture, making it a viable food source for them. Be sure to keep mulch at least two feet away from your home’s foundation to lower the chance of having a termite infestation.
Termites and Foliage
Termites thrive in rotten dead trees and will gradually move from the foliage around your home to inside it. Always remove all dead trees and stumps around your house to prevent termite invasion. On a related note, it’s also important to trim tree limbs and leaves that touch the roof of your home because these could serve as a bridge for the termites.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to termite invasions. Leaves, twigs and debris can build up in the gutters. Combine that with moisture and what you get is a pathway for the termites to get into your home.
Moisture
Subterranean termites love areas that have lots of moisture which is why they set up colonies in soil. Homes with standing water attract termites, along with leaking pipes.
How to Prevent Termites From Invading Your Home
Here are some things you can do in order to keep termites from spreading in your home:
1. Eliminate moisture.
Moisture attracts all kinds of pests especially termites. If you live in an environment that is humid, get a dehumidifier. During summer, turn on the air conditioner periodically during the day to keep the temperature cool in the house and eliminate excess moisture indoors.
In line with this, you should also check your home for any leaks and signs of rotting. Leaking pipes should be fixed or replaced. Moisture-filled walls and decayed roofs should be attended to. Inspect basement and crawlspaces for signs of moisture or leak.
2. Declutter your home.
Decluttering can make a big difference in preventing termite infestation. Get rid of old magazines and books, old unused furniture, and other items that may attract termites.
3. Keep piles of wood away from your house. If you have a garden, there should be 18 inch distance from the soil and wood. You may use cement or stones to create a barrier between the wood area and the soil especially in your gardens or patio.
4. Use borate on wood.
Spraying wood with borate can repel termites. This chemical soaks into the wood and prevents termites from nibbling on it. Once this termite spray dries, you can prime and paint it to make window frames, furniture, doors, and others.
5. Place infested items out in the sun.
If a piece of furniture has termites in it, place it in direct sunlight for 3-5 days. The heat will kill the termites and at the same time get rid of the moisture from the furniture. Dust off the furniture and use termite spray all over it before bringing it inside the house.
If the termite infestation is severe, it’s best to hire professionals to eliminate them. Cooks pest control service has state of the art equipment to efficiently and effectively remove termites and prevent them from re-infesting your home.