Termites are small, but their colonies can cause major damage to your home. Each year, termites are responsible for over 5 billion dollars worth of property damage. The only good news is that infestations are preventable. Here are six effective ways to prevent termites in your home.
1. Reduce Household Moisture to Prevent Termites in Your Home
Termites thrive in moist areas, so keeping your house dry is one of the best ways to prevent termites in your home. Fix any roof or plumbing leaks, no matter how small. Leaving them unchecked can make your home a prime target for termite colonies. Repair any air conditioning units that have a tendency to drip water.
2. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Well-Maintained
Properly functioning gutters and downspouts are effective termite deterrents because they keep water flowing away from your home during rainstorms. If gutters are blocked or clogged, water can seep into your foundation and siding. This will make the exterior of your house particularly appealing to termites.
3. Deny Points of Entry to Termites
Another way to prevent termites in your home is to regularly check your foundation for cracks and holes and seal any that you find. Wandering termite colonies need an entry point into any home they target, and gaps in the foundation are one of the easiest ways for termites to gain access.
4. Treat Wooden Structures to Prevent Termites in Your Home
While it’s not a guaranteed deterrent, the chemicals used to treat wood can make structures less appealing to termites. Wooden decks should be treated and sealed, as these are usually in direct contact with soil around your home and can act as a bridge for termite colonies. Buy pre-treated lumber or apply a chemical treatment to prevent termites in your home.
5. Store Firewood Away From Your Home
Wood piles kept near the perimeter of your house can attract termites in the same way as a wooden deck. Keep wood piles at least 20 feet away from your home and store wood on an elevated platform.
6. Have Your Home Inspected for Termites
One final way to prevent termites in your home is to have your house annually inspected for termite damage or active infestations. If the inspector finds any signs of current termite activity, they can assist you in finding an exterminator to eliminate the insects. Even if the termite damage they find is old and the colony appears to have moved on, you’ll learn if structural repairs are necessary.
H&J Freile Home Inspection offers wood-destroying insect inspection services to homeowners in New Jersey. If you are concerned about termites in your home, contact us to request an appointment.