Learning how to prevent termites is something every homeowner should learn how to do. As a Mooresville pest control company and local exterminator experts, Rid-A-Bug has decades of experience in treating all types of pests and preventing termite damage. From personal experiences, a termite infestation can be devastating for homeowners and result in costly repairs. That is why we have put together a few tips on how to protect your home against termites.
How To Protect Your Home Against Termites in Mooresville, NC
1. Eliminate Wood in Contact With the Ground
Termite problems often occur when the wood of the building is in direct contact with soil. The contact gives termites easy access to food, moisture, shelter, and direct entry into the building. To prevent termites from entering the building, wood siding, door, and window frames should be at least six inches above ground level. Eliminating wood-to-soil contact may require steps of pulling soil or mulch back from the foundation. Posts or stairs embedded in concrete are also places for termites to attack since they usually extend through the concrete to the soil.
2. Don’t Let Moisture Accumulate Near the Foundation
Termites are attracted to moisture and more likely to infest if the soil next to the foundation is consistently moist. You need to divert the water away from the foundation with properly functioning gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks. Variables such as leaking faucets, pipes, and air conditioning units should be repaired, and the ground next to the foundation should be graded, so the surface water drains away from the building.
3. Reduce Moisture and Humidity in Crawl Spaces
Moisture and humidity in crawl spaces are the leading cause of termite damage that destroys the stability of your home. If there is standing water in the crawl space, look for plumbing leads and drainage issues. Install a vapor barrier over the interior walls and floor to seal out moisture and seal the foundation vents to prevent humid air from entering the crawl space. You can also install a crawl space dehumidifier to maintain a proper humidity level in the crawl space to help protect against mold, mildew, and wood rot.
4. Consider Having Your Home Treated by a Professional
The best way to prevent termites and protect your homes is to have a trained professional inspect your home every year and treat your home with a termiticide. Buildings have many natural openings for termites to enter, and detecting a termite infestation requires a trained eye of an expert.
As one of Lake Norman’s most trusted services in pest control and termite control, Rid-A-Bug is the top option to keep termites from attacking your home with regular inspections and smart solutions. Call us today to schedule your inspection.
Still doing your research? Read our article, Six Signs of a Termite Infestation in Your Home to learn more.