Five tips to help you protect your property from termites

by

Bryan Livingston

Depending in what part of the country you reside, there may be different types of termites. You will find two prominent kinds of termites, wood or material boring type and the sub-terrain type, below the earth. Termites could possibly get in your home various ways… A swarm of them can just attack your property from another infested property. Yes, they do have wings! Wood or structure that\’s at or below the dirt surface. Believe it or not… bringing in wood from the yard or newly purchased material that\’s infected can lead to a termite problem. So inspect your purchasing of wood materials.

You are able to check your own personal property by walking across the exterior and look for exposed wood or framework touching dirt or up at the eaves where there could be decay on the inner surface of the fascia. Take a broom or something similar to lightly poke the wood to see if it breaks. Here are some additional tips.

1. Don\’t have gardens against your home.

This really is an error of monumental proportions. Worst case scenario is that the dirt in the garden bed is built up giving the termites a straight shot through the brick course, and into the timber inside. Termites are also attracted to moisture and mulch which is often present. Even the foliage can provide a concealed runway for termites to get in; worse still if your walls are weatherboard.

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2. Make sure there are no water leaks.

Termites are attracted to water. Humidity is critical to keep their workings livable, because they only possess a soft shell and can dry out rapidly. Termites will seek out any water source to keep alive, and if there is obviously a leak inside your home it can attract them.

3. Drainage and ventilation.

This refers to the moisture accumulating under, or against the exterior of the house. Simple items like a hot water system overflow, or air-conditioner pipe drained against the wall exterior is enough of your attractant to draw termites to your house. Water flowing or ponding around or under your property when it rains is also an issue. Poor ventilation, particularly in sub-floor areas, raises the humidity; which termites love. Whether it smells musty, chances are you may need to get more air moving through the area.

4. Beware of stored goods; especially timber.

Having things sitting up against, or leaning on, the wall exterior can lead to disaster. At best it\’ll obscure the view of the wall so that you can\’t see a termite lead going in for the house. At worst, it\’s going to provide a \”bridge\” or \”runway\” for termites to use to gain entry. Timber is especially bad, as it also attracts the termites, before providing usage of the house. Even if it isn\’t right next towards the house, it should be stacked up on some bricks so it doesn\’t provide the entree for the termites.

5. Be careful making additions.

Too often we see a DIY renovation where untreated timber has been placed straight into the ground, and attached for the main structure. The main culprits are patio\’s who have been built in, or high set houses who have been built under. The best bet is to get a good builder to do it, or failing that, get a qualified timber pest technician to check over what you want to complete beforehand. Most operators will be more than happy to advise or quote on termite protection free of charge. In the event you insist on going it alone, remember, NEVER place timber in/on the ground that comes in contact together with your house. Even unprotected timber sitting on brick or concrete can let termites straight in.

Termites are destructive and an expert pest control company can keep you safe.

U.S. Termite and Moisture control located in Chesapeake VA provides pest control solutions to its clients in Hampton Roads. A few of the services available are pest management, eradicating, termite damage repair and moisture control. Experience our professional and helpful team by phoning us today at 757-598-1100US Termite And Moisture Control1224 Executive Blvd. Suite 102Chesapeake,VA,23320757-598-1100

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