We’ve all seen the movies where termites crawl up houses and buildings, but have you ever wondered where these termites come from or how they make their way into your home? Or maybe you know that termites are attracted to damp and soft wood, so you have built your house with wood that is dry, hard, and strong. But then you still find yourself with termites. This blog will focus on how to make your home less attractive to termites, what attracts them, and how you can protect yourself against them in the future.
Zero Contact Between Wood and Ground
One way to make your home less attractive to termites is to create a barrier between the wood and the ground. This can be done by ensuring that there is no contact between the wood and the ground, either by using a concrete foundation or by using a raised platform. This will make it more difficult for termites to access the wood and will also make it easier to spot if they are present.
Prevent Ground Moisture
One of the best ways to prevent termites from taking up residence in your home is to make sure that the ground around your foundation is free of moisture. You can do this by ensuring that your gutters are clear and functioning properly, and by making sure that any leaks around your foundation are repaired promptly. You may also want to consider installing a dehumidifier in your basement or crawlspace to keep the air there dry. If you live in an area with a high water table, you may need to install a sump pump to keep the ground around your foundation from becoming too wet.
Maintain Your Yard Properly
To make your home less attractive to termites, you should maintain your yard properly. This means keeping the grass trimmed and removing any dead leaves or branches. You should also make sure there is no food or water source for the termites. This means sealing up any cracks or holes and removing any wooden bark that could be a spot for termites to feast.
Keep Downspouts Well-Repaired
Termites are attracted to moisture, so one of the best ways to make your home less attractive to them is to keep your downspouts well-repaired. Make sure there are no cracks or gaps in your downspouts, and that they are properly draining water away from your home. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to keep leaves and other debris from clogging up your gutters and creating standing water.
Store Firewood Away From Your Home
Wood is a termite's best friend, but, unfortunately, it hurts your house! If you have a fire pit, make sure the wood is stored away from the house. If you have a woodpile, keep it at least 20 feet from the foundation of your home. If you have a deck, make sure the wood is not in contact with the ground. By storing firewood away from your home, you can make it less attractive to termites and help prevent them from causing damage to your property.
A termite attack is often very difficult to detect and may not become apparent until it is too late. It is therefore imperative that you get the necessary services by contacting the team of Encino’s Best Termite Solutions to ensure that your home is not susceptible to a termite attack.