| Easy Termite Prevention Tips |
| Written by Russ Frank |
| Friday, 27 November 2009 08:17 |
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Termites are a nuisance to any home or structure. Whether it's a garage, shed, or the main living quarters, they will attack without prejudice. That is why termite prevention is so vital to a home's safety. By understanding precisely what conditions termites prefer, and being able to spot potential termite damage, a homeowner can take the steps needed for effective termite prevention which leads to termite control.
Termites are a nuisance to any home or structure. Whether it's a garage, shed, or the main living quarters, they will attack without prejudice. That is why termite prevention is so vital to a home's safety. By understanding precisely what conditions termites prefer, and being able to spot potential termite damage, a homeowner can take the steps needed for effective termite prevention which leads to termite control. One type of termite, subterranean termites, lives underground. Unlike drywood termites, they cannot live without access to moisture. They prefer to move directly from the ground into wood. Termite prevention begins by looking for any wood-to-ground contact. If the wood cannot be moved away from the soil, then the soil might have to be moved away from the wood. Sources of moisture are another key to termite prevention. Moist wood attracts termites like a magnet. Look around your home for sources of moisture. If water collects anywhere near your home, find a way to divert it away from the structure. Often this results from rainwater runoff, or gutters or downspouts needing repair. Another area of the home to look at for termite prevention is the crawlspace. Not every home has these added spaces, but when they do they can be harbors for trapped moisture. Vents are often routed through these crawlspaces and create a damp environment, ideal for termites and termite damage. Also watch for areas where rainwater may collect. Mulch may look attractive around a home, but it can cause a problem. If mulch rests up against wood it provides a highway for termites into the structure. Rake the mulch away from the structure everywhere this occurs. Anytime mulch is added to the beds, remember to keep a sizable gap between the mulch and the wood to ensure termite prevention. Homes with a fireplace may pose a problem as well. Many homeowners don't realize that firewood piled next to the house is a disaster waiting to happen. Keep firewood well away from the home or any other wood structure, such as a shed, even during winter months. It's better to have to walk out into the cold winter night to gather some wood than deal with the expense of repairing termite damage. Another overlooked aspect of termite prevention is to have an annual inspection. A termite professional knows the difference between termite damage and rotting wood. They can spot potential problems as well as risky areas. The cost of an inspection is inexpensive compared to the cost of potential damage. Knowing what conditions termites prefer and how to reduce or eliminate the chances of them infesting a home is the best form of termite control. Remember to eliminate sources of moisture near your home, eliminate ground to wood contact, and schedule annual termite inspections. These steps will go a long way towards termite prevention. About the Author: Who ya gonna call? For termite control problems, Florida Bug Inspectors are the experts. No matter what the pest, roaches, fleas, ants, termites or even bees, FBI has the answer. Florida Bug Inspectors also has termite prevention programs. Call the best - call Florida Bug Inspectors. |