Prevent termites

Termites are very destructive pests, their insatiable hunger for wood causes billions of dollars worth of damage in the US alone each year. These crawling insects can cause major structural damage to a property in just six months, and can completely destroy a home in just two years.

Termites feed on cellulose. Cellulose is the main component in the cell walls of plants. It is the most abundant organic compound on Earth. This dietary requirement means that termites can, and will, devour the wooden structures of buildings as well as furniture, money, and even clothes. 

Termite swarm season, which usually happens during the early months of spring, is when your home is most at risk. During this period, winged termites leave their nest to mate and start a new colony, which could be in your home!

There are a lot of suggestions about termite prevention out there, but in order to prevent termites and reduce termite prevention costs, it takes a lot of work on a homeowner’s part. It takes a keen eye and understanding of how a termite infestation occurs.

Below are a list of areas in your home that are susceptible to termite infestations and tips on how you can prevent them.

How To Prevent Termites

Exterior

The exterior of your home can often act as a portal to your home, putting it at risk of termite damage through a termite infestation.. 

Roof 

Broken tiles create moisture which attracts termites, and can provide a gateway inside. Prevent termites by making sure the roof is dry inside, cracks and breaks are repaired.

Termite prevention tips:

• Repair broken roof tiles 
• Check for dampness in your roof and dehumidify if you find a problem 

Air conditioner unit 

Termites prefer moist environments, which is what air conditioning units create.

Termite prevention tip: 

• Ensure the moisture release of air conditioning units are away from the foundations of your home
• Get rid of puddles, condensation and other moisture build-ups around air conditioners.

Attic

Your attic can be a prime location for termite infestations, which can often go unnoticed for years and create thousands of dollars in termite damage.

Wooden beams

• The wooden beams in an attic are often exposed and provide termites with a free meal.

Termite prevention tips:

• Check regularly for termite damage by pressing thumb against the timber to check if it feels spongy
• Use one of our suggestions for how to get rid of termites or contact the professional termite removal experts at Western Exterminator.

Boxes

• Cardboard boxes are a preferred food for termites. Termites devour cellulose and that means cardboard, so too much of it can lead to a termite infestation.

Termite prevention tip:

• Use plastic boxes to store items in the attic and make sure cardboard is removed unless you are using a cardboard trap to get rid of termites in the attic.

Living Room

A living room is a termite infestation gold mine because of the wood furniture and flooring located there in many homes.

Wooden flooring

Wooden floor boards are a great source of termite food. Being close to the ground they can act as a stepping stone for subterranean termites to the rest of your home.

Termite prevention tips:

• Carry out regular inspections for termite activity 
• When building a new home lay down a termite barrier 

Skirting boards

• Skirting boards are the perfect food for termites, they also provide dry wood termites a stable living environment.

Termite prevention tip:

• Check for termite damage by pressing your thumb against the skirting board.

Wooden furniture

• Wooden furniture makes your home all that more inviting for termites.

Termite prevention tips:

• Keep furniture away from walls
• Opt for items made of other materials such as metal.
• Put wooden furniture out in the sun if you find signs of termites.

Laundry Room

It may come as a surprise but even your clothes are subject to termite damage, although it is quite rare. 

Clothing 

Items of clothing are made from materials such as cotton which contain cellulose, a termite’s favorite dish. 

Termite prevention tip: 

• Keep laundry off the ground and away from walls

Garage

Garages can be very attractive  for termites depending on what’s stored inside. They can also act as a passageway into your home if the two are connected.

Storage units 

Storage units are a good source of food for termites depending on the contents. They can also provide termites with easy access to shelves and other areas of the garage. 

Termite prevention tips: 

• Keep storage units away from walls 
• Use metal shelves instead of wood

Kitchen

A kitchen can become home to a termite nest due to the limitless sources of food and entry points.

Windows and doors 

During swarming season windows and doors make it easy for termites to infest your home. 

Termite prevention tips: 

• Make sure windows and doors are kept shut during swarming season 

Leaky pipes 

Leaky drain pipes create moisture and dampness termites prefer. 

Termite prevention tips: 

• Inspect external and internal pipes regularly 
• Repair any damages to pipes to stop them from leaking 

Cupboards 

Built in wooden cupboards provides termites with a food source. They are also close to walls and floors providing termites with an easy infestation opportunity. 

Termite prevention tip: 

• Regularly inspect your cupboards for termite activity. If you are worried, call professional pest specialists!

Garden

A garden can a buffet for a potential termite infestation. Some of the reasons include: 

Tree Stumps 

Tree stumps are a good source of food for termites. Trees are a great way for termites to get one of their five a day, five pieces of wood that is. 

Termite prevention tip: 

• Remove old tree stumps from your garden 

Mulch 

Garden mulch is not only high in moisture, it is also mainly made up of wood chippings. Wet wood is a prime source of a termite infestation and for termites to use to set up nests.

Termite prevention tips:

• Use mulch made from other materials such as gravel, plastic, and rubber 
• Leave a gap between the mulch and the foundations of your home 

Fencing and decking 

Subterranean termites use underground tunnels to search for food. Fence posts and decks that come in contact with the ground provide termites with a free meal. 

Termite prevention tips:

• Use termite-resistant or treated fence posts 
• Replace wooden fence posts with ones made from metal and rock 

If you live in an area prone to termite activity opt for an alternative garden feature to decking. 

Wood stacked against the house 

Fire wood stacked against the house can act as an open invitation to your home for termites.

Termite prevention tip:

• Store wood elevated off the ground and away from your home.

Termite inspection and removal

You may have noticed that the majority of these termite prevention tips involve carrying out regular inspections for termites. In doing so you are creating a proactive method in keeping your home safe from these wood boring insects. 

A termite exterminator will be able to correctly inspect a property for termites, and identify any issues as well as recommending the correct course of termite control options. An annual termite inspection will help ensure your property is protected against the potential for termites to much their way through your home.