One of the worst nightmares of homeowners is finding termite mud tubes lining the corners of their walls. When you realize that the termites have invaded your beloved abode, cold fear sets in. The fight against termites is usually a long and exhausting one. Termite prevention methods paired with annual inspections can help safeguard your home (and also your mental health) from the little munchers.

Top Tips to Prevent Termite Infestation

Termites operate discreetly within your home and can go undetected for years. Different types of termites have different ways of attacking your home. Having a professional termite company by your side can help you win the battle against termites. Here are some termite prevention tips that can fortify your home against these silent destroyers.

1. Block All Entry Points

Subterranean termites enter your house mostly at places where there is soil-to-wood contact. Hence, make sure to avoid wood-to-ground contact and if it cannot be helped, use termiticide-treated woods at these points. Subterranean termites can also gain entry into a house through the gaps around water and gas lines. Make it a point to seal these gaps.

As for drywood termites, cracks in the exterior wood are usually their entryway. Seal all the cracks and crevices and also apply a fresh coat of paint over the wood.

Also Read: Alternative Termite Extermination Methods to Termite Tenting

2. Remove Food Sources

Termites invade a house when they find sources of food present in it. Cutting off access to food or simply eliminating the food sources will make your home less attractive to these pests.

Clean away all leftover construction wood or other useless wooden things lying around your house. Dispose of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and wood products if they haven’t been used for a long time. Clean the dead wood and tree stumps from your garden.

3. Keep Moisture Away from Your Foundation

Foundations are a favorite entry point for termites since they are prone to moisture. Check out some of the ways by which you can keep your foundation dry.

• Make sure the water from the gutters and downspouts is directed away from the foundation.
• Check for plumbing leaks.
• Make sure that the storm drains are at a safe distance from the foundation.
• Check whether your soil drainage works properly.
• Check water leaks in the roofing.
• If you have sprinklers in your garden, make sure that they are pointed away from the foundation.
• Consider using dehumidifiers in your crawl space.

4. Keep Flying Termites Away from Your House

During the swarming season, you might spot flying termites trying to establish new colonies. Here are some ways by which you can prevent flying termites from settling in your house.

• Termites are attracted to light. Avoid turning on the outdoor lights as much as possible during the swarming season. Relocate the lights that are near the possible entry points like windows, doors, and vents.
• Patch the tears and holes in the window screens.
• Check thoroughly for gaps and crevices through which the pests can gain entry and seal them before the swarming season starts.
• Check your house for water damage and moisture. If found, get it fixed immediately.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Termites prefer dark and damp places. Good ventilation and an adequate amount of sunlight in the house will discourage termite infestations. Make sure that the attics, crawl spaces, and other spaces that are prone to termite attacks are properly ventilated.

Also Read: Longevity and Effectiveness of Termite Treatments: A Comprehensive Guide

6. Choose Preventive Treatments

Termites are persistent creatures that are hard to get rid of. Therefore, it is better to avoid termite infestation when you can instead of trying to get rid of termites after they invade your house.

Annual or biannual termite inspections are recommended since termite control professionals will be able to identify the termite infestation in the early stages. If you live in a termite-prone area, then we recommend employing termite prevention treatments like soil treatments, bait stations, and wood treatments.

HiTech Termite Control

We can be your partner in your fight against termites. With a proven record of safeguarding homes, our expert team employs cutting-edge techniques to both prevent and control termites. Check out the services that we offer here.