How to Prevent Termite Problems in Your Home
Every homeowner’s worst nightmare is discovering extensive termite damage that must be treated and the damage repaired. One way to avoid huge termite damage expenses is to have any home you are considering purchasing inspected for termites. Then, learn what termites and their damage look like and do your own home inspection every few months. If you catch termite infestation quickly, it will be easier and less expensive to treat.
Controlling Termites
In areas such as the Raleigh Triangle Area, there are damp conditions that are ideal for termites, and homeowners can suffer thousands of dollars in termite damage if steps are not taken to protect their homes. Practicing termite control is a cost-effective strategy. One of the most effective ways to control termites is to do an inspection every couple of months by walking around the exterior of the house looking for signs of termites. Then, take a flashlight and examine the crawl space or the basement for signs of insect activity.
Some signs include wood that is weakened, spongy, or damaged, mud tubes or dirt tunnels, and actual termite swarms. There can be little piles of sawdust or other debris left by termites. Wood trim or supports can show insect damage like holes or tunnels.
At the first sign of termites, call residential termite control experts such as Sustainable Pest Systems to come to the home and inspect it for termites. We can determine the extent of the termite infestation and give you a plan to get rid of the termites and keep them away in the future. Termites never go away on their own and, left unchecked, they multiply at an alarming rate. All those termites are hungry and like to eat wood. The longer you wait to get rid of them, the more damage they will do to your home.
Treating Termites
The professional pest control expert will determine how bad the infestation is and what treatments will work best in your situation. At Sustainable Pest Systems, we use a combination of proven products and the scientifically designed Sentricon baiting system. This baiting system is installed where termites forage and contains a bait that will destroy the colony.
Some treatments may include:
Termite baiting systems
Void treatments
Liquid termiticides applied to the soil around the house
Preventing Termite Infestations
Pest prevention can take several forms from when a new home is built and when homeowners want to take an active role in termite damage prevention.
When a house is being built using a concrete foundation, leave 18 inches between the soil and any wood, such as siding or trim. Cover wood surfaces near the ground with sealant or a metal barrier.
For all homes, keep the dirt around the base of the house dry with good drainage and grading. Have a good gutter and downspout system in place.
Cut down on any openings in the home’s cement foundation, such as cracks and places pipes or utilities where they enter the home.
Fix any plumbing leaks right away so there is no moisture buildup.
Don’t store wood near the home’s foundation.
Don’t plant or let volunteer trees or shrubs grow close to the foundation or up against exposed wood elements of the home.
Make sure any vents are free and clear of plants or other blockages.
When the termites are gone, the damage must be repaired by removing damaged wood and replacing it with new wood. This is especially important when structural wood boards have been damaged. Trim around windows and doors may be affected. Siding might also need replacing. It will be important to make sure the home is once again structurally sound.
About Sustainable Pest Systems
Sustainable Pest Systems has been serving the Raleigh area for many years getting rid of termite infestations before they do serious structural damage to homes. We use the latest technology, such as the Sentricon baiting system and proven chemicals to safely and effectively remove termites and other insects from your home. We send a highly trained technician to your home to do a thorough inspection. They will find everywhere the termites are located, design an effective treatment plan to get rid of them, and prevent them from coming back.
The technician can also advise the homeowner on steps to take around the house to prevent future infestations of termites. This may involve fixing cracks and holes in the concrete foundation, removing vegetation that is too close to the foundation, or removing debris and woodpiles that are near the house.