There are three main types of termites; two airborne types and one type which is subterranean.
These termite control tips are split into two groups to cover both types of termite which people may find in their homes.
Table of contents
For subterranean termites:
1. Remove Access
Seal any gaps around water, electricity and gas lines where they enter your home to help eliminate entry points for termites.
Wood-to-ground contact is a common access point for subterranean termites looking for a way into your home.
Wherever it is possible, try to reduce contact between any wood in your home and the bare soil that houses termites.In addition to removing this highway into your home, you can also have the wood treated by various means to make it unattractive to termites who may try to eat it.
2. Reduce Food Sources
Throw out extra building materials which could be around your house, such as in crawlspaces, attics or cellars.
This is particularly important when it comes to soft building materials, because termites prefer soft food to eat.
Replace landscaping mulch with cellulose-free alternatives or move it back at least six inches from the foundations of your house, and make sure any wooden siding on your house are at least six inches above the ground.
3. Reduce Excess Moisture
Make sure there is no standing water around the house, either around the foundation of your house, on your roof, in the cellar, in the attic, or in any insulation space that you may have.
If there are moisture problems in any of the above areas, then address this as soon as possible – drain the area, and dry it out as soon as you can.
It might also be an idea to have a pre-emptive inspection for termites at this point.
Fix any leaky pipes, faulty gutters and any malfunctioning air conditioner condensation lines.
4. Monitor for Activity and Adopt Prevention Techniques
Inspect any lumber around the property, both lumber used in the construction and any which is lying around: especially lumber or railroad ties which have been used before they were used it in home or garden projects.
Ideally, inspect any used previously used wood before re-using it, in order to nip any potential termite infestation in the bud.
If there has been news of termite infestations near you, ask the Rosemead pest control in your area to recommend prevention techniques around your home, which could include monitoring stations, liquid treatment or direct wood treatment.
Monitoring stations are the least intrusive option since they serve as warning signs of activity; however, they do not provide any protection against infestations. Pro-active treatment can help protect your home against future infestations.
How Can You Help Prevent Drywood Termite Infestations?
5. Remove Access
Drywood termites are able to enter your home through small cracks in any wood on the exterior of the building. Seal any and all cracks, crevices and joints that you can find in order to prevent termites from entering.
Two easy ways to reduce access through outer structures include applying a fresh coat of paint, which can seal the smallest crevices in wood, and installing screens over your attics and any vents on the property.
6. Reduce Food Sources
Remove any dead wood such as firewood, dead trees or anything else which could provide food for drywood termites.
7. Monitor for Activity and Adopt Prevention Techniques
As above, inspect lumber: especially used lumber and railroad ties for termites before using it in home or garden projects.