Termites are often called the “silent destroyers” due to their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. Each year, termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage, and homeowners spend over two billion dollars to treat them. This makes termite prevention and protection not just a matter of property maintenance, but also of financial prudence. Knock ‘Em Out Pest Control would like to share how you can protect your home from these insidious insects.
Understanding Termites
Before diving into some prevention strategies, it’s important to understand the enemy. Termites come in different species, but the most common are drywood, dampwood, and subterranean termites. They differ in habitat and feeding habits, but all can cause serious damage to your home.
Termite Prevention Strategies
• Eliminate Moisture: Termites are attracted to moisture and are often found in damp areas of a home. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and AC units. Ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation. Install downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks to divert water away from your home.
• Reduce Food Sources: Termites feed on wood, so minimize soil-to-wood contact around your home. Keep firewood, lumber, or paper away from the foundation or crawl space. Remove stumps and debris near your home and minimize the use of wood mulch.
• Regular Inspections: Check for signs of termites regularly, such as mud tubes which are used by termites to reach a food source. Hollowed or damaged wood, and bubbling paint are often signs of termite activity. Pay special attention to areas where concrete meets wood, as these are common entry points for termites.
• Ventilation: Ensure your home, including attics and crawl spaces, is properly ventilated. Use vents to reduce humidity and prevent moisture accumulation.
• Seal Entry Points: Seal gaps around gas and water lines where termites could enter your home. Fill cracks in the foundation and around exterior walls.
• Treat Wood: Use treated wood in areas where wood must touch the ground. Consider applying termite-resistant paint or sealant on wood surfaces.
Professional Treatment for Termites
• Regular Professional Inspections: A professional pest control company can provide thorough inspections and identify potential risks or existing infestations.
• Termite Baiting Systems: These systems involve placing bait stations around your home. Termites feed on the bait and take it back to their colonies, which helps in reducing the colony size.
• Chemical Barriers: This method involves applying termiticides to the soil around and under your home. It creates a barrier that kills termites as they attempt to pass through.
Natural Termite Control
• Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes are natural parasites for termites. Once released into the soil, they seek out termites and burrow into them, usually resulting in death within 48 hours.
• Orange Oil: Derived from orange peels, this oil can be effective against drywood termites. It is injected into infested wood, killing termites on contact.
Termite Inspections & Control in Lansing, Michigan
Protecting your home from termites is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and regular maintenance. By combining preventative measures with professional termite inspections and treatments, you can significantly reduce the risk of termite damage. Early detection and intervention are key to minimizing the impact of these destructive pests. For help protecting your home from termites, contact Knock ‘Em Out Pest Control today.
