If you’ve ever dealt with the headache of a major termite infestation, you’ll know there’s truth to the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” On average, termite treatment costs $568—and that’s without considering the hassle of repairing damage or tenting your home!
It’s safe to say that these tiny pests can cause massive problems, which is why knowing how to prevent termites is an absolute must for any homeowner. If you’re unsure about how to keep them at bay, a few simple termite prevention DIY basics can help. Read on to learn more.
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Remove Termite Access
First things first: it’s important to make your home hard for termites to get into. Removing access to your house can also make it an undesirable home for these unwanted pests!
To remove their access, you’ll need to understand where termites come from and how they enter your home. Most termite species use small gaps and crevices as entry points, so it’s important to seal these up when possible.
Check for gaps around water and gas lines as well as crevices near windows and door joints. Seal these areas with caulk, and consider laying down a fresh coat of paint as an extra layer of protection. If there are any vents these pests could crawl into, cover them with bug screens.
Reduce Termite Food Sources
The next step is to make it difficult for termites to survive if they do make their home in the area surrounding yours.
Dead trees, firewood, and other dry wood are favorite food sources of many termite species like the drywood termite. You’ll also want to remove any cellulose-based materials around the foundation of your home.
For example, this will mean ensuring that any wood siding starts a few inches off of the ground. You should also use pine needles or non-organic material in your landscaping, as these substances are less appealing to termites.
Remove Moisture
Certain species, such as subterranean termites, thrive in areas with high moisture.
To keep them at bay, make sure to fix any moisture issues around your foundation, basement, crawlspace, attic, or roof. Your aim should be to ensure proper ventilation throughout all areas of your home, even unheated ones.
Make sure to also address any leaks or plumbing issues that may add moisture around your home. Don’t forget to make sure your sprinkler heads don’t send water toward your home’s foundation!
Get Started With Termite Prevention Today
These basic termite prevention tips are easy enough to tackle—and if done well, they can help keep unwanted guests at bay. If you’ve noticed signs of termites in the area where you live, or if you’re concerned about an infestation, take some time to inspect your home and put these tips into place. With a little elbow grease, you can make sure your local termites stay outside where they belong!
Want more of the tips you need to make the most of your home? Check out our other helpful guides for additional insights.