A termite infestation in your home can be pretty nasty. After all, they are called the ‘silent destroyers’ for a very good reason. These pests can weaken a house in a way that you wouldn’t even notice unless it is too late. And in this post, we will look at nine simple ways to control the termites in your home.
- Control Water Availability
Typically, termite infestation is found in areas that are damp and moist. Keeping your house dry is very important if you want to fight termites. If you see any water on the floor, you should dry the spot immediately. And if there are any leaking taps, you must fix the leakage to avoid water from pooling on the floor. It is also a good idea to seal the entry points of pipes and drain lines.
- Regular Inspection
You should get a good pest control agency to do a thorough inspection of your home at least once a year. This will ensure that the termites are exterminated and that the places which have a tendency to attract termites are treated to keep these pests away. When choosing the right pest control service, look for their certification, license, and experience.
- Remove Debris From Drain Lines
The drain lines and gutters are supposed to take water out from the home. If they are clogged by debris, then the water will not go out. This will eventually attract the termites which will enter your home and cause havoc. So, regularly check the gutters, drain lines etc. for any debris and clean them immediately so that water can freely flow through the drain lines.
- Remove Vegetation
If there is any dense growth of vegetation around your home, you should weed it out immediately. Vegetation tends to retain moisture which acts as an invitation for the termites to infest the home. So, remember to regularly trim all bush and plants that grow around your house. And if you find any crawlers hanging on the walls of your home, cut it down immediately.
- Proper Ventilation
Areas like the attic are usually prone to moisture buildup. As a result, termites will throng to these regions and then spread to the rest of your home. This is why it is important that the attic is properly ventilated. With proper airflow in the attic, moisture is less likely to make the place damp, thereby minimizing the chances of attracting termites.
- Set Up Physical Barriers
You can also try some harmless chemicals to treat the termites. A very good option is to spread chemically treated soil around the house. Termites can be repelled by the soil and will stay away from your property. Usually, chemicals like Fipronil and Bifenthrin are used in the soil. In addition, you can also install a steel barrier that separates the home from the soil. This can also prevent termites from entering your home.
- Seal The Entry Points
Inspect the home for cracks, holes, and other such openings through which termites can enter your home. Once they are identified, seal it off completely so that not even air can pass through the openings. As an extra benefit, other pests like cockroaches, rodents etc. will also be blocked out from entering your house.
- Use Termite-Resistant Wood
Most of the termite infestation in a home starts with wood which are in contact with soil. This is why areas like outdoor decks are extremely susceptible to a termite attack. Over time, these wooden structures can weaken and eventually break down. As such, it is highly recommended that you only use termite-resistant wood when building anything wooden in your home. Wood which is naturally resistant to termites includes cypress, redwood, and cedar. In addition, treated lumber like pressure-treated pine is also very good at keeping termites off. In fact, treated lumber is known to last longer than the naturally termite-resistant varieties.
- Be Careful When Using Mulch
If you use mulch in your garden, ensure that it is not spread too close to your home. Mulch tends to attract termites since they act as a food and water source for these pests. If you put mulch very near to your home, say the walls of the kitchen, it is very likely that these termites will move inside the house very soon. You can also try using rubber mulch instead of the regular mulch since they don’t tend to attract termites like the way wood mulch do.
