Top 7 Tips for Termite Prevention – Knowing how to prevent termites is something every homeowner should be aware of. Termite prevention can help you avoid costly damage to your house. Don’t think it can’t happen to you: termites will invade any kind of home as long as there’s plenty of material for them to eat through, namely wood.
Termites are the most destructive pest in this country, with Eastern subterranean termites being the most common species. They’re more common in the eastern half of the United States, especially in New Jersey. Your home, fence, deck, and other wood structures can all be at risk for losing structural integrity as termites tunnel through on a destructive path.
Here are seven tips for termite prevention.
- Make sure all shrubbery near your home is trimmed on a regular basis. There should be at least 12 inches between the bushes and the exterior wall of your home, in an effort to create ample air flow and allow damp areas to dry quickly. Plus, you’ll be better able to spot termite tubes and damage much earlier.
- Rather than use mulch in your garden beds around the foundation, use pine needles, which subterranean termites don’t like nearly as much. If you don’t have ample access to pine needles, try and find some pea gravel or other non-organic material.
- Point all sprinkler heads away from your foundation, as termites like moisture.
- Employ regular preventative maintenance for your wooden siding and windows to minimize the possibility of water leaking behind the wall.
- Make sure your crawl space is properly ventilated with a strong vapor barrier to keep moisture from reaching the floor joists and subfloor. Moisture not only attracts termites but it also encourages the growth of wood-destroying fungus and causes unpleasant odors inside the house as well. In addition to termites, you could also be attracting wood-destroying beetles, which poses a whole new set of problems for you.
- Reduce soil-to-wood contact around your house, removing all lumber, wood, plants, mulch and cardboard from around the foundation. Make sure your gutters and downspouts empty well away from the foundation as well.
- Turn off outdoor lights at night during swarming season, relocating them to areas away from doors and windows if you can. This will reduce the chance of attracting swarmers.
If all else fails and you suspect you have a termite infestation, do not hesitate to call Cavanaugh’s Professional Termite & Pest Services immediately. Time is of the essence. Contact us now or fill out our online form for more information.
