Whether you’ve just moved into your home or have been maintaining the property for years, it’s smart to implement an effective strategy for preventing termites in your home. These invasive insects can destroy your home if they get inside. The damage caused by termites compromises your home’s structural integrity. To keep your house termite-free, follow these 6 tips for preventing termites in your home.
Keep Wood Away From the House
Termites feed on wood. Still, it’s common for homeowners to stack firewood and other piles of scrap near their house or even inside their garage. It’s advised to keep your firewood and any other pieces of wood far from your home and outside of your garage. This includes lumber and tree stumps.
Maintain Your Home’s Drainage Systems
Termites require water to live. If your home has insufficient drainage systems, like clogged gutters and improper grading, the resulting moisture build-up could be attracting termites. You should conduct regular inspections on your home’s drainage systems to make sure everything is operating properly. Take a look at your gutters while it is raining and watch for water pooling around your foundation.
Leave Space Between Mulch Beds and Your House
Many homeowners pour mulch around the perimeter of their house for landscaping. While these mulch beds look nice, they can also be an invitation for termites and other pests. When mulch is pressed up against your home’s foundation, it creates an ideal temperature and level of moisture for termites. It is also a food source for them. For these reasons, it is best to keep around 4 to 5 inches of separation to prevent an infestation.
Preventing Termites in Your Home by Trimming Your Trees and Bushes Regularly
Similar to the problem of excess mulch near your home’s foundation, brush and trees can also foster an environment that termites love. Leaves, twigs, and other debris that falls off of overhanging trees is another issue. This can lead to blocked gutters and clogged drainage pipes.
Schedule a Professional Inspection for Preventing Termites in Your Home
Working with a professional is one of the best methods for preventing termites in your home. These inspectors know exactly what to look for when it comes to scoping out termite activity. They can tell if you have a current infestation and warning signs that a colony is likely to invade. At the very least, you should have an inspection once per year.
Nico Home Inspections provides inspection services to homes in South Florida. Contact us to schedule our services.