How to prevent a termite infestation

When it comes to preventing termites, a lot of factors come into play. These insects will stop at nothing to devour your home just to get their nourishment. This clearly shows that termite prevention is a thing that every homeowner should take very seriously.

With the right kind of termite prevention, you will not only be saving your property from severe damages but also avoid some termite damage costs. Also, you need to understand that thinking this can’t happen to you is a big mistake.

Every house made of wood is susceptible to a termite infestation. As a result of this, you need to take the necessary preventive measures now that you still have the opportunity to do so.

Have you been looking for a surefire way to prevent a termite infestation? With the following tips on how to prevent a termite infestation, you will learn all you need to keep termites away.

How to prevent termites before a home is built

Though this might not be always applicable since most homes aren;t built with the problem of termites in mind, preventing termites before the home is built is actually the best way to handle termite problems. These preventative measures take care of the problem before it even happens.

The following are some of the ways to prevent termites before a home is built. You can apply any of these if your home is at the planning phase of construction:

The use of Basaltic Termite Barrier (BTB) – This is a component made of rock particles, when applied, it tightly packs beneath the house and prevents termites from getting through into the foundation and the flooring of the house.
The use of termite mesh – This is a stainless steel mesh with tiny holes that help keep termites out. When installed properly, you won’t have to bother about those cracks and holes around your home because they won't be able to pass through.

How to prevent termites in existing homes

When it comes to preventing termites from existing homes, the first thing you need to do is to eliminate whatever it is that is attracting the termites to your home. These include cardboard, papers, wood, lumber, plants, and other woody products that are close to your foundation.

Another way to prevent termites is to create a 4-inch barrier between your home and the mulch close to your home. Also, you need to ensure that your garden is not sited close to your home.

Moist soil plays a crucial role in attracting termites. If you want to prevent a termite infestation, you need to reduce the moisture around your home by any means possible. One of the best ways to do this is by making sure that storm drains empty far away from the foundation of your home. Also, you need to fix all the leaky faucets and other leaky water sources.

During swarming seasons, make sure the light around your home is turned off at night. This will help keep the termites away from your home because there is no light source to attract them.

Some evidence of a termite infestation

Before going ahead to take measures to prevent the termite infestation in your home, you need to be sure that the infestation is yet to happen. To be certain that termites are yet to infest your home, look out for any of these signs of a termite infestation:

Tunnel patterns on the surface of wood around your house
The appearance of blisters on the surface of the wood
Cracks around the foundation and mud patterns along the edges of walls