7 Best Cleaning Tips to Avoid Termites

What are the cleaning tips to avoid termites?

1. Store woodpiles away
2. Take advantage of mulch
3. Clean your bookshelf and other papers
4. Trim down trees and shrubs
5. Clear out moisture buildup
6. Seal all cracks and crevices
7. Consider hiring pest control services

 

Termites are miniscule, but highly stressful pests. If termite infestations are left untreated, they could easily cause an extensive amount of household damage. It would be wise to familiarize yourself with the cleaning tips to avoid termites.

In general, termites are attracted to wood. However, you must remember that they could munch on about anything that contains cellulose. This includes paper, bark, cardboard, and even decaying plants.

Today, there are approximately 2,000 types of termites that can be found across the globe. When feeding, they start by digging holes from the inside out. Over time, the damages will result in structural instability.

But don’t fret! We’ve rounded up some effective cleaning techniques to get rid of these pests. Read on.

 

Store Woodpiles Away

If you or your family members make use of woodpiles for construction, decor, or even cooking, it would be best to keep them away from your home.

Just like any type of pest, termites search for shelter and food sources. They make their way into your home to break down wood into a nutritious meal. With that being said, it would be best to keep woodpiles out of sight for at least twenty feet.

While cleaning, get rid of all items made of wood such as planks, wooden furniture, corks, and cardboard boxes. Doing so avoid termites from infesting your home.

 

Take Advantage of Mulch

Mulch is any material spread over or around gardens to retain moisture in the soil. It can be used to your advantage to relocate your termite infestation problem.

Head to your nearest hardware store and purchase mulch. Afterward, spread them away as far as possible. This is an excellent way to deter termites from getting close to your home’s foundation.

 

Clean Your Bookshelf and Other Papers

If you’re the type of person who loves reading and has a collection of books at home, you clean it up regularly. As we have stated, termites are attracted to wood. Since books are made from wood fibers, they wouldn’t hesitate to feed on your collection as well.

Clean up your bookshelf. Don’t forget to include other items made of paper such as newspapers, magazines, tubing of tissue rolls, paper cups, paper bags, notebooks, and envelopes.

 

Trim Down Trees and Shrubs

You can’t completely avoid having trees and shrubs around your home. However, you can trim them down to avoid termites. Remember that long tree limbs can come into contact with your home’s exterior can serve as a way for termite entry points.

Clear all the leaves, fallen branches, foliage, and tree stumps in the surroundings. Mow your lawn and ensure you regularly trim your plants as well. Even decaying plants can attract termites.

 

Clear Out Moisture Buildup

Termites prefer taking shelter in damp and undisturbed areas. Just like other cold-blooded creatures, they cannot survive under extreme levels of heat. With that, inspect around your home and clear out sources of moisture buildup.

Clean clogged gutters and drains. Repair leaky plumbing indoors and outdoors as soon as you notice them. Leaks are often found in the laundry area, under sinks and toilets. Reduce moisture levels in attics and ventilations by using a dehumidifier.

If you cannot eliminate wooden items, keep them away from moisture. Ensure rainwater downpipes from your roof are fixed to avoid water from finding its way to interiors. You can never be too careful when it comes to termite prevention.

 

Seal All Cracks and Crevices

Termites are quite persistent. They are the type of pests that will make their way inside from all kinds of places such as underground spaces, floors, pipes, and roofs.

These pests measure between 4 to 15 millimeters. Such a small size allows them to crawl into any crack or crevice undetected.

The best way to avoid termite infestations is to keep them from entering in the first place. Seal all their potential entry points using plastic sheeting.

 

Consider Hiring Pest Control Experts

When it comes to termite infestations, the truth is all you can take are precautionary measures. These pesky pests will still find their way inside your house one way or another if you don’t make use of the proper treatments.

The most effective way to avoid termites is to call for pest control services. They know how to detect termite signs and they offer comprehensive long-term solutions.

 

Key Takeaway

If you are looking for the best cleaning tips to avoid termites, check out the seven we have stated above. Remember that you can only do so much when it comes to termite infestations.

At Topbest, we are the leading pest control services in the country. Rest assured that we are equipped with years of expertise to take termite problems off your hands.

Click here to inquire about our services for free!