How To Prevent A Termite Infestation This Summer
How To Prevent A Termite Infestation This Summer
Termites can be a big problem for homeowners, and the summer months are a particularly difficult time to deal with them. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent a termite infestation from occurring in your home this summer!
Keep Your Gutters Clean
If you have a home with gutters, then it’s crucial that they are kept clean all year. This will help them to drain properly and prevent damage to your lawn, foundation and other house structures. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and debris are a great place for termites to nest. This is because a clogged gutter allows pooling water to form. Additionally, a clogged gutter may also attract other pests that you don’t want in your house. Among these pests are ants and cockroaches. The best way to avoid a termite infestation this summer is to keep your gutters clean and your yard inspected for termites. This will help you to catch any termites early and not have them cause more expensive repairs later on.
Inspect Your Yard
Termites are one of the most destructive pests. In fact, they cause billions of dollars in damage to homes each year. Fortunately, you can protect your home and other wood structures from termites by inspecting them closely. This includes window sills, foundations, piers, joists and support posts. Inspect any stacked firewood, wooden mulch or wood piles near your house, garage and shed for signs of a termite infestation. If you notice mud tubes (dried mud tunnels), fecal pellets and/or live termites, it’s time to contact an exterminator. Another telltale sign of a drywood termite infestation is the presence of winged swarmers in your yard or around the windows and foundation. These swarmers are produced by drywood termites after mating and indicate an active colony.
Keep Firewood Away From Your Home
As the weather turns colder, most of us like to fire up our wood fireplaces and enjoy a warm night with a good book. Unfortunately, this habit can also open the door to termites and other pests who can cause serious damage to your home or outbuildings. Termites need moisture to thrive, so storing your firewood in damp or dark areas can attract them and lead to an infestation. If you’re not sure whether your firewood is infested, call in a professional to do a routine inspection.
Have Regular Termite Inspections
Termite inspections are an essential part of a homeowner’s pest prevention routine. They help to detect any termite colonies that may be lurking in your home, helping you to eliminate them before they cause major damage and become a health hazard. You can have a professional inspect your home or business on a regular basis to ensure that it is free of termites and other pests. When a professional comes to your home, they will check all the key areas and look for signs of an infestation. This includes the foundation, basement, garage and crawl space. The technician will also look for any areas that have been altered, such as the addition of new wood features and plumbing penetrations. These changes can open up new areas for pest activity and increase the likelihood that your home will be infested.
Categorised in: Preventative Pest Control, Termite Control