Making a List to Help You Prevent Termites
As an old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regarding termites, that statement rings very true. Termites, like most structural pests you’ll encounter, are opportunists and will take advantage of any conducive conditions that provide them with food, water, and shelter.
To help keep termites from damaging your most valuable possession, your home, the Clark Man has put a list together that can help prevent termite infestations. Effective termite prevention means that it’s much less likely your home will need to be treated for a termite infestation. We recommend that homeowners follow these steps to help avoid these destructive and unwelcome house guests.
- Avoid moisture accumulation around the interior and exterior of your home – termites are attracted to moisture.
- When watering your lawn, don't sprinkle stucco or wood siding.
- Routinely fill in any cracks in your foundation’s masonry or concrete, and caulk around door and window frames; make sure there are no easy entry points to your home.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts in good repair and clean. Wet leaves provide moisture and harborage for termites and other pests.
- Store firewood off the ground and away from your home.
- Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath your home.
- Eliminate any wood contact with the soil. – an 18-inch gap between the soil and wood is ideal.
- Avoid planting trees and shrubs too close to the house. Trim trees and shrubs when necessary and keep them from touching your home’s roof or exterior walls, because they provide an easy pathway for termites.
- Keep the exterior of your home well painted and in good repair. Bare wood is attractive to termites, and a good coat of paint can act as a barrier for drywood termites.
Another key element in protecting your home from termites is to have it inspected by a licensed termite inspector on a regular basis – every three years at the minimum, but annually if possible. An early diagnosis of a termite problem and taking corrective action sooner rather than later can help prevent more expensive treatments and repairs down the road.
During your inspection, Clark Pest Control’s highly trained inspectors will examine windows and plumbing along with the structural areas around them, and will inspect the attic, the basement, and any crawl spaces or voids. They will look anywhere termite colonies might be establishing a home base in and around your home.
If our inspector discovers evidence of termite damage, he or she will recommend a treatment method customized to meet your home’s specific needs, and also advise you on appropriate repairs for any damaged areas.
Remember, if your home has a problem with termites, call (800) WE NEED YOU (936-3339) or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com
Until next time, I’m the Clark Man. Thanks you for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.