Termites may be tiny, but they can cause big headaches for homeowners! These critters cost Americans billions of dollars in structural repairs annually, turning foundations into their all-you-can-eat buffets and jeopardizing the safety of your home. Imagine relaxing in your living room and suddenly feeling the floor give way beneath you—a hidden termite infestation can turn this nightmare into reality. Fear not, because today, we’ll help you become a termite prevention expert! By the end of this blog, you’ll have all the necessary knowledge and strategies to keep these wood-destroying pests at bay effectively.
What Are Termites?
Let’s explore the basics: understanding what termites are, how they operate, and the threats they pose. Termites are subterranean insects sometimes called “white ants,” though they are neither ants nor closely related to them. Like ants, however, they live in colonies that can grow to be a million strong when left unchecked, which is why it’s so critical to catch a termite problem as early as possible.
The most well-known fact about termites is that they eat wood. The main reason is that it’s rich in cellulose, a compound found in plant material that they can process into nutrients. They’re partial to dry, damp, or rotted wood; studies have shown they prefer softwood over hardwood. They reside inside the wood and in the soil surrounding wooden structures and have a knack for creating mud tubes, as depicted in this article.
How to Prevent Termites
Now that we’ve learned a bit about who our enemy is, we’ll continue with how to keep termites away effectively and what steps you can take for an ongoing infestation.
1. Regular inspection
A thorough examination of your home by a trained professional is the easiest way to identify early signs of termite activity before they become a major problem. A general home inspection may be sufficient enough to notice the problem. Still, specialized services are better equipped and come with various benefits to ensure a termite-free household now and in the future. We recommend annual or semi-annual inspections to catch early signs of termite activity and prevent significant damage.
2. Maintain a dry environment
Like most insects, termites gravitate toward moist environments. Address leaks in your plumbing, roofs, and gutters promptly, and ensure proper drainage around your home. Additionally, ventilate your crawl spaces, attic, and basement effectively!
3. Use termite-resistant materials
If you’re renovating or building a new home, incorporate termite-resistant materials into your termite prevention strategy. Pressure-treated wood with chemicals that deter termites works well for outdoor applications. However, due to potential hazards, please consult a professional before using it indoors. Additionally, consider using concrete, steel, or composite materials in areas typically wood-dominated, as termites are less attracted to these substances.
4. Seal off entry points
Termites are only about half an inch long in size, meaning they can easily slip through the smallest cracks or gaps in your home. Be sure to inspect the exterior of your home for these entry points and use a high-quality sealant or caulk to close them. This includes gaps around windows, doors, and utility pipes.
5. Pesticides
There are various chemical options available to help with termite prevention. Liquid termicides can be purchased online and, when applied to your foundation, will create a barrier that repels or kills termites before they enter your home. You can also use termite bait systems, which will make tracking the size of your termite problem easier but can be more pricey.
Bonus Tips
- For termites and General Pest Control, ensure that food isn’t left out in the open and that trash is disposed of regularly to avoid attracting uninvited guests.
- Store any firewood, lumber, and other wooden materials away from your home, and regularly discard unused paper.
- Monitor and maintain your roof!
Protect your home with reliable termite pest prevention in Guymon, OK from General Pest Control! We offer practical, professional solutions to keep termites out and your property safe, with advanced techniques and treatments to ensure your property remains protected year-round.