If you don't like pests setting up shop in your home, you might be interested in hiring a professional exterminator to help you with your problems. However, unless you understand the tools that they are working with, you might find yourself wondering what else you can do to curb issues. For example, if you don't mention that mosquito problem, your exterminator might not know to treat that water feature with a pesticide that targets larvae. My site explains different ways you can prepare for your professional pest control treatment, so that you aren't left with issues later down the road.
According to the latest numbers, homeowners will spend an average of $3,000 to fix damage caused by termites. These little bugs feed on cellulose, a common component in plants, and can cause significant damage to a home within a matter of months with their voracious appetites. It can be challenging to completely eliminate termites once they've taken up residence in your house, so here are five simple things you can do to keep them out.
Eliminate Leaks
Like most other pests, termites love water. A leaky pipe can provide both the coveted moisture and an entryway into your home. Outside of that, leaks can cause other damage to the home, such as mold and rotting, that may compound the problems the termites cause.
Have the respective professionals inspect your home for leaks and treat them. For instance, hire a plumber to take a look at your pipes and make repairs as necessary. Other places you should check for leaks include the roof and your basement walls.
Prevent Water from Pooling
Leaks aren't the only thing that can divert water to undesirable places. Poorly designed or badly maintained gutters can cause water to pool around the foundation of your home. In addition to attracting termites, pooling water can degrade the foundation, leading to cracks that make it easier for the bugs to get inside.
Water pooling around your home can be caused by a few things. The downspouts may be too close to the home or positioned the wrong way. You can fix this by having the downspouts adjusted or purchasing extenders that redirect the water farther away from the foundation.
Another thing that may cause water to pool around your foundation is the land may be sloped so that water rolls towards your home rather than away from it. You'll need to have a professional review the grade of your home and make adjustments as needed.
Seal Cracks
Termites are tiny, so they can enter your home through cracks and crevices in the exterior parts of the structure. Take a weekend to inspect your home for these small openings and seal them with caulk or paint as necessary. It's also a good idea to install bug screens over exterior vents (e.g. attic vents) to keep them from using those as access points.
Exchange Cardboard for Plastic
As noted previously, termites love cellulose, which is present in all plant materials. If you are using cardboard boxes to store keepsakes and other items in your attic or basement, you may be providing a free meal to these bugs. It's best to swap out the cardboard boxes for plastic containers. This will eliminate a source of food for the bugs. Additionally, plastic containers can protect better against moisture, dirt, and other pests that love paper, such as silverfish.
Eliminate Wood Debris
Do what you can to keep wood debris as far away from your home as possible. Remove fallen limbs and dead trees from your yard. Move firewood at least five feet away from the home and store it off the ground (e.g. stacked on top of cement blocks). Exchange your current mulch for a cellulose-free variety or remove it altogether. Mulch is basically wood and water, a veritable feast for termites.
In addition to these things, you may want to have a pest control company spray a chemical barrier around the exterior of your home to provide an additional layer of protection against a termite invasion. Be aware, though, these barriers must be reapplied on a regular basis, so be sure to build that into home maintenance budget.
For more tips on preventing termites or help dealing with a current infestation, contact local services like Tri-County Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
Share14 April 2017
