Unwelcome Visitors: Advice About Pest Control

One of the most destructive pests in the home is the termite. Therefore, you should be diligent in protecting your building. If you experience an infestation, the total costs for refurbishment will be high and your property will lose its resale value. Termites are small insects which live in colonies and feed on wood materials in the home. If allowed to thrive, termites will cause extensive destruction in the home by eating structural lumber. If you are concerned about the possibility of your getting an infestation, here are simple guidelines to help you protect your home.

Limit Termite Access

You should eliminate the entry points which the termites can use to enter your home. Once they find their way into your residential building, it will be difficult to control the infestation. In general, these insects enter the house through gaps which are positioned around piping and gas lines. Seal the gaps to ensure optimal protection. You should also eliminate wood to ground contact in your home. In simple terms, your wooden building structures such as decks should not be in direct contact with the soil.

Reduce Potential Food Sources

If the termites cannot find a reliable food source in your property, they will not be able to survive. Therefore, if you would like to protect your home from these pests, you should reduce or completely eliminate potential food sources. Termites will feed on lumber and firewood left on the ground. You should store these materials in an elevated area without contact with the ground.

You should also clear the yard of fallen tree branched and dead trunks. These materials provide a convenient food source for ants in the outdoor. You should also note that mulch can be consumed by the insects. It also provides shelter to the creatures. Therefore, minimise the use of the organic material, especially close to your house. If necessary, consider using synthetic alternatives.

Reduce Sources of Moisture

Termites are prone desiccation when exposed to hot conditions. Therefore, they need moisture to build tunnels which allow them to move around freely. You should reduce the potential water sources for termites in your home. Address dampness problems in the crawlspace and around the foundation. Also, you should repair plumbing leaks around the property.

Finally, you should commission regular inspections of your residential property. There are common signs of infestation which you can keep an eye on, including termite feathers, earthen packing and tunnels. However, a pest control technician can identify potential problems early, keeping the damage to a minimum.