Given that the cost of termite damage to the average American home is around $3,000, and nationwide the problem costs over $5 billion annually, it's well worth keeping termites away from your home. Termites thrive in a warm environment and also need to eat, and the wood in your home's basement or foundations can be the ideal place for them. Termites usually enter a home through its foundation where the wood and the damp soil meet, and there are several different types of termite; the most destructive is the subterranean termite.
There are some simple yet effective steps you can take that will help in keeping termites away from your home. Because termites prefer a damp and humid environment, you should address any moisture problems around your home that can attract them. This includes making sure that you have good drainage around your home with no standing water, and also fixing any leaks you see in outside pipes, faucets or your air conditioning unit. Basically, the less moisture you have close to your house, the better when it comes to deterring termites and avoiding a possible infestation.
Down spouts and gutters should be cleaned of any debris regularly, and you should make sure not to put down too much mulch near your home's foundations. Downpipe extenders can help to keep runoff water away from your home's foundations and if possible, your land should slope away from your home and not towards it. If you have water features in your yard, such as a fountain or pond, you may want to place them as far away from your home as possible. Regular cleaning and pumping ensures adequate circulation which will not only deter termites, but various other pests too.
Termites survive by eating wood, so the more difficult you can make it for them, the less chance you have of having a termite problem in your home. Ideally, any wooden parts of your home should be at least six inches away from the soil, and should definitely not be touching the soil. This includes wooden structures such as a deck or trellis, which should all be at least a few inches away from your actual home, and even wooden planters which should be moved away too. If you have dead trees, fallen tree limbs or tree roots very close to your home, move them somewhere else.
And it's important to remember not to stack any wood, newspapers or cardboard next to your home's foundation or crawl space. In fact, don't keep wood in your yard at all unless you have to; the further away from your house you store it, the less chance you have of attracting termites. Tree branches that overhang your home can also provide termites with an easy access point; cut them back to prevent a problem. If you bring wood inside your home, store it off the floor and away from your walls.
The above steps will go a long way towards keeping these annoying creatures out of your home. It's also a lot easier to keep termites out if you start as early as possible, and be as thorough as you can. If you are having your home built, try to incorporate as many of the tips above as possible. However it's also a good idea to have a termite inspection scheduled regularly, especially if you spot signs of termite infestation such as damaged wood or termite droppings. Most experts recommend at least once a year, and the cost of the inspection is a lot less painful than the cost of getting rid of a termite infestation.
We would recommend looking at this termite Ventura company if you are in the area and need to exterminate some termites.
