How to Make Your Home Termite Proof?

How do you termite-proof your home?

• Learn about the Common Types of Termites
• Keep Moisture Away from Wood
• Store Cardboard and Wooden Boxes Properly
• Fix All Water Leaks and Cracks

 

Worried about termites entering your home? Before you call your local termite control specialist, there are ways for you to prevent any potential invasion from happening in your household. Here are ways to termite proof your house. If you’re looking for siding repair and installation services, you can check them out here!

 

Learn about the Common Types of Termites

Knowing the different types of termites could help you properly prevent termite attacks from happening in your home. Different types of termite control methods may or may not be effective when dealing with a specific kind of termite. There are around 2000 species of termites around the world; but to simplify their classifications, we have grouped them based on where they build their nest and where they can come from. The most common types of termites are:

 

• Subterranean

Subterranean termites live and build their colonies underground. Though some of them may thrive in moist isolated areas on the ground’s surface. They are known to build mud tubes above the ground in order to get around. They need these tunnels because sunlight exposure for termites is deadly.

Smaller in size compared to dry wood termites, subterranean termites are known to expand their colonies at a rapid pace, making them more destructive in terms of the threat they pose for structural damage. They are known to be more active early morning or in the evening, and work even faster during rainy seasons.

 

• Dry wood

Dry wood termites directly infest dry wood and don’t require contact with the ground to develop their colony. Often invading from roof material or wooden walls, dry wood termites are notorious for infesting dead wood that lay around the premises of a home.

Larger in size yet slower in terms of colony growth, dry wood termites can be commonly found near damp or moist areas near wooden parts of your home such as a leaking pipe or air condition moisture. Unlike subterranean termites, dry wood termites don’t build exposed mud tunnels and shelter tubes. They travel within the wood they set their nest in. Usually, dry wood termite swarmers take flight during the night.

 

Now that you have an idea of the two most common termites, let’s get on the to the ways you could prevent them from entering your home in order to protect your humble abode and spend less time calling your pest control operator in the Philippines.

 

Keep Moisture Away from Wood

Get rid of any standing water around the perimeter of your home immediately. If you notice chronically moist soil within your area, find out why this certain spot is always damp and fix it. Termites are generally attracted to moist soil and damp areas are perfect conditions for them to survive. Indoors, make sure to keep any wooden pieces’ dry at all times. You never know when a termite swarmer might slip into your home. It’s important to make your home inhabitable for termites by keeping moisture away from the wood.

 

Store Cardboard and Wooden Boxes Properly

Take note that cardboard contains cellulose, a plant-based substance which termites feed on for nutrition and to survive. You may have some cardboard or wooden boxes stored in places around your house which you don’t regularly inspect. It may come as a surprise but termites, especially dry wood termites, can start nesting on cardboard and work their way to wooden parts of your home.

 

Fix All Water Leaks and Cracks

Water leaks could be an open invitation for termites to infest your home. Knowing that they thrive in moist environments, it’s important to fix any form of leaking water around your home. Your pest control operator in the Philippines would suggest the same thing.

If you have any leak problems in your house, have your home inspected. A home inspection is always the first step of termite control. Acting with haste is essential to prevent any potential invasion. Once you’ve fixed water leaks in your home, thoroughly clean the damp areas and ensure that they are kept dry. It wouldn’t hurt to visit those areas again.

Termites are known to pass through expansion areas of your house; cracks, plumbing openings, and small crevasses. It’s vital to ensure that your house’s foundation is prepared to combat the infestation of these pesky pests. Seal everything that has to be sealed, cracks, pipe joints, tubing, and any other potential openings where termites may come in.

 

Key Takeaway

With these tips and a brief knowledge of termite types, you can prepare to be sure that no termite will come close to your house. But never get too complacent. Over time, your seals may wear and cracks in your house’s foundation may develop. Always have your guard up against any pests. Keep your house neat and tidy and never fail to inspect every corner of your home.