If you’re a Waldorf property owner, you probably take pride in the way your home or business looks. Constantly staying busy with maintenance projects can be time-consuming, so other things tend to fall through the cracks. Unfortunately, if you’re not spending any time on termite prevention around your property, you could easily incur a costly infestation without even knowing it.
The Real Cost Of Termite Invasions
Many people understand that termites can destroy the wooden structures in a home or business facility, but few people actually understand how it happens (and how it can be avoided). Most termite infestations take at least a year to do significant damage, so how do over 600,000 houses across America incur expensive damage every year?
When home and business owners fail to recognize the signs of a termite infestation, worker termites can eat the wood inside and under the structure without ever being visible to the owner. After 18 months have passed, the damage can cost over $3,000, which is why noticing the signs of an infestation early is so important. Be on the lookout for the following signs of termite activity on your property:
- Mud tubes: as termites tunnel just below the soil in the yard, they may create mud tubes up your foundation to reach the wooden parts of your home.
- Swarmers: these winged termites in charge of reproduction will fly around in large groups on warm days following a rainstorm.
- Tight-fitting doors and windows: severe termite damage will cause internal tightening of door and window frames, making it difficult to open and shut them.
- Clicking noises in the walls: you might not be able to see termites, but you should be able to hear soldier termites banging their heads against tunnel walls (if they detect danger) if you listen closely.
If you notice these signs in your house, don’t waste your time and put yourself at further risk of expensive damage by trying to get rid of them yourself. Instead, enlist professional termite assistance that can get them out of your house completely.
Best Prevention Practices
If you’re lucky enough to not have these signs, then you can shift your focus to termite prevention. You might not be able to keep them out of your home or business on your own, but you can do certain things around your property to ensure termite attraction will be limited. Most termites love to feast on moistened or rotting wood that has already been exposed to prolonged moisture damage. If you can limit moisture buildup in and around your home or business, then you can decrease your chances of wood rot. Controlling moisture issues involves:
- Using a dehumidifier in basements and crawlspaces
- Monitoring pipes for leaks
- Implementing an effective gutter and downspout system
- Maintaining the lawn regularly
Another way to limit termite accessibility is to store firewood properly (sealed, off the ground, and away from the house) while also limiting soil-to-structure contact. Creating a 12 to 18” buffer of pine straw, gravel, or rubber mulch can effectively preclude termites from bumping into your house as they tunnel just below the surface of the soil. You should also keep your yard clear of sticks and leaves, as this clutter creates an attractive environment for termites and increases moisture buildup in the soil. While all of these methods can help, there are no guaranteed forms of prevention outside of professional assistance. If you want the prevention methods that keep termites out of your home or business 100% of the time, then you need to enlist professional help. The best termite prevention and eradication come with the professional assistance of Mike's Pest and Termite Control. Give us a call today to fix your termite problems for good.