If you’re like most of us, you’re ready for the dreary cold of winter to be over. Spring can’t come soon enough with its bright sunshine and warm weather. Unfortunately, this change in season also marks the beginning of swarming season for termites. Termites swarm in the early months of spring to reproduce and to establish new colonies. Termites can cause significant structural damage to your home in as little as 6 months and can completely destroy it within 2 years. Prevention can help you avoid this costly damage to your home. What can you do to help keep the termites out this spring? Check out these tips to termite-proof your house.
- Get rid of water sources by eliminating or reducing standing water around your home.
- Repair any leaky faucets, pipes, and air conditioners.
- Divert water away from your house with properly functioning spouts, splash blocks, and gutters that are clear of debris.
- Repair and replace damaged roof shingles, fascia and soffits on your house.
- Replace weatherstripping on doors and windows.
- Routinely inspect foundations for loose mortar, uneven or bubbling paint, wood that sounds hollow when you tap it, and for the presence of mud tubes which termites use to reach food.
- Routinely inspect wood in and around your home for noticeable changes, making sure to check windows, doors, and skirting.
- Make sure there is at least an 18″ gap between the soil and the wood portions of your home.
- When storing items in the attic or basement, try to use plastic storage containers and metal shelving instead of cardboard or wood.
- During swarming season, keep doors and windows shut as much as possible. Keep outdoor lights turned off at night also as they will attract swarming termites.
- Keep firewood stored at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground.
- Keep plants a few feet away from your home.
- Make sure there is at least a 4″ barrier between your mulch and the side of your home. You can also try to use mulch made of rubber, plastic, or gravel.
- Remove any tree stumps from your property.
- Schedule an annual professional inspection of your home and property to help detect termite problems early before they can cause significant damage.
Once you have a termite problem in your home they are impossible to get rid of on your own. If you suspect you have a termite issue, contact a professional pest management company. They can provide you with a thorough inspection to help identify the type of termites you have, as well as set up a comprehensive treatment program.
I wanted to thank you for your explanation about keeping the termites out of our home. My friend’s house has been treated already to eradicate these pests. However, it keeps on coming back and they don’t know where they are coming from. I will immediately send this article to her and advise her to seek a professional help.
Thanks for mentioning that you will want an 18 inch gap between the wood parts of you home and soil. My home was built in the 50s, so I often worry about termites eating my home. I’ll be sure to look for these clues of termites, so I can fix the problem as soon as possible. Do you have any tips for hiring a great pest control service, just in case?