Pest Control Blog

 

Learn the Top Methods to Prevent Termites

Termites are a common pest that can cause a considerable amount of damage to your home. As such, it is vital to learn some of the top ways to prevent these pests from infesting your house. 

The good news is there are plenty of tactics you can use to make it far less likely that termites will congregate on your property. This article will show you the five best options, explain the signs that termites have already arrived, and share some insights about how to rid your home of a termite infestation. 

Manage Moisture

Termites prefer to live and breed in a moist environment. Since that’s the case, managing moisture is one of the top methods you can use to discourage termites on your property and in your home. 

 

First, consider your landscape. Do you have any buckets, depressions in your yard, or any other type of reservoir that could collect and hold rainwater? If so, these features can become a breeding ground for termites and other pests due to the high levels of moisture. 

 

Similarly, clogged gutters can also create an advantageous breeding place for termites. These clogs often trap rainwater, making for a moist environment in which the termites can reproduce. 

 

Additionally, you’ll also need to consider your indoor spaces. For example, crawl spaces and basements are two areas where higher levels of moisture are common, thus making termite infestation more likely. 

 

Addressing moisture is the first step in preventing termites. Ensure you check both your landscape and the interior of your home to eliminate any standing water or high levels of relative humidity. 

Keep Wood Away From Your Foundation

Wood is one of the main food sources for termites. If you choose to store firewood or any other type of wood near your home, you are increasing the odds that termites will find their way inside. 

 

Often, when homeowners stack wood near their foundation, termites will begin to eat it, then slowly work their way inside the foundation wall. Once inside, the termites will likely continue to feast on the wooden components that comprise the structure of your home. This damage can ruin the structural integrity of your home and be very costly to repair. 

 

The best way to prevent this instance of termite infestation is to store your wood well away from your home. A designated wood storage area that does not touch your home in any way is the best approach. 

Be Moderate with Mulching

Previously, we mentioned that termites enjoy eating wood. However, even if you store your firewood well away from your home, you might be providing a wood-based food source that you did not expect. 

 

Natural mulches consist of tree bark, wood chips, and other plant materials, all of which can provide a food source for termites. Additionally, a layer of mulch can provide shelter for termites while allowing them to travel and spread. 

 

If you are concerned about termite infestations, it’s best to be moderate with the amount of natural mulch you use around your home. Additionally, you can also opt for stone mulch, which does not provide a food source for termites. 

Seal All Openings

Our next tip for preventing termites is one of the simplest. Take time to inspect your home and notice if you have any unwanted openings. These openings can often appear near windows and doors or can manifest as breaks in your window screens. However, cracks can also appear on any part of your building’s exterior. 

 

Obviously, any opening in your home is a passage through which termites can enter. To prevent this, perform regular inspections and seal any openings you find as soon as you can. 

Don’t Plant too Close to a Building

It’s very common for homeowners to plant the areas around their foundations with small trees, shrubs, and other plant types. However, these plants can present a termite issue if they are too close to your home. 

 

If the plants next to your home are too close to the house and make contact with its exterior, they provide an opportunity for termites to crawl from the plant onto your home. Once the termites are on the exterior of your home, it’s more likely they will work their way inside, especially if you have unwanted openings in your building’s facade. 

 

To prevent this issue, be careful about how you place your plants near your home. Anticipate the mature size of any plant species you grow and ensure you give enough room for them to expand naturally without contacting your house. 

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Now that you know some of the best ways to prevent a termite infestation, let’s consider a few signs that one has already occurred in your home. Below is a list of the top indicators that you have a current termite problem:

 

• Termite droppings
• Damaged and blistering wood
• Termite holes
• Mud tunnels along your walls
• Dead termites
• Termite wings
• Clicking noises in your walls
• Stuck doors and windows

 

Each of the indicators above implies that you may have a current termite issue in your home. If you notice any of these signs, you should take action immediately to resolve your potential termite issue. 

Get Rid of Termites with the Help of a Professional

If you are worried about a potential termite infestation in your home, the best decision you can make is to act fast and contact a professional pest control team in your area. The right team will quickly diagnose the extent of your pest problems and find the ideal solutions to rid your home of unwanted creatures. 

 

At Bill’s Pest & Termite, we offer the most comprehensive pest control solutions in and around Phoenix, Arizona. If you are in our area and you are dealing with a termite problem, contact us as soon as you can to learn more about how we can help.

Let us help you with Methods to Prevent Termites (602) 308-4510