6 Steps to Take to Protect Against Termite Infestations

Winter is here. If you thought you would get to enjoy a few quiet months without the threat of pest infestations, you were wrong. While some pests go into hibernation during the long winter months, many pests are still active through the winter months.

The termite is one pest that poses a threat to your home all year long. Termites need moisture, a good food source, and a warm place to nest, which makes your home the perfect target. Unfortunately, once termites have infested your home, they can do quite a bit of damage. Here are six steps you can take to keep termites away.

When you get serious about termite control, you need to put some space between your home and the bugs. An active termite colony can consume a 2×4 board in less than six months.

To prevent that type of destruction to your home, clear the area around the perimeter of your home. Weeds, grass, and other miscellaneous debris can all provide the perfect access points for termites. Mulch, bark, and other ground cover can also create an increased risk of termite infestations.

Termites need plenty of moisture to survive. If you have leaking faucets, sprinkler systems that are on frequently, or other forms of moisture around your yard, termites will come to your home.

Before you have a full-blown infestation on your hands, take action to remove the excess moisture from your property. Repair leaking faucets and pipes, adjust the timer on your sprinkler system, and inspect your yard for other moisture problems.

If you have your firewood stored up against your home, you could be at risk for termite infestation. Termites thrive on any type of wood, which includes the supply you use for your fireplace. Subterranean termites live underground. However, once they discover a source of wood, they will come up to feed.

Unfortunately, if your firewood is near your home, the subterranean termites will not stay in the woodpile for long. To reduce your risk of termite infestation, always store your firewood away from your home. As added protection, store your firewood off the ground.

Termites do not differentiate the wood that they consume. If you have dead trees or stumps in your yard, they will go after those. Once your trees are infested with termites, the bugs will spread out to other areas of your yard, where they will eventually invade your home.

Additionally, trees that have suffered termite damage are at an increased risk of collapse, which poses a risk to you and your home. Remove dead trees and stumps before termites have a chance to invade.

If you have bare wood decks and fences in your yard, protect them against termite infestations. Dry wood is an open invitation for the termites in your neighborhood. Wood decks and fences need sealant to provide protection against termite invasions and the weather. For maximum termite protection, seal your wood decks and fences at least once a year.

Termites are a serious threat to your home. Annual termite inspections ensure that you catch any activity quickly. If you have not had a professional inspect your home for termite activity in over a year, schedule that service right away. Contact us at Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc. We will come out and inspect your home for signs of termite infestations.

If your home already has termites, please see our post about what to do next.