Introduction
Termites can wreak havoc on your house and your wallet if you don't take care of them. They can cause structural damage as well as significant monetary loss. The good news is, there are some simple steps that you can take to prevent termite infestations from happening and handle a current problem when it does arise.
Send in a professional.
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, it's best to get an inspection by a professional. A certified pest control professional will be able to tell if your house has been affected by termites and what kind of treatment is needed. They will also provide an estimate for how much it will cost to repair any damage they've done.
Remove any wood that shows signs of termite damage.
Remove any wood that shows signs of termite damage.
-
Remove any wood that is broken, split, or cracked.
-
Remove any wood that is discolored.
-
Remove any wood that has a powdery appearance.
-
Remove any wood that is soft or spongy.
Get rid of cardboard boxes, newspapers and other sources of cellulose in the walls, attic, and basement.
When you're getting rid of cardboard boxes, newspapers and other sources of cellulose in the walls, attic and basement:
-
Get rid of all paper products, especially cardboard boxes. Termites love to eat them!
-
Remove any wood that shows signs of termite damage (e.g., holes or tunnels). If you can't remove the damaged area completely, treat it with an approved pesticide before replacing it with new material.
-
Don't use cardboard as a packing material when shipping goods; instead use corrugated fiberboard or another type of waste paper that doesn't contain cellulose fibers that would attract insects like termites.
-
Don't store newspapers in your attic or basement--this will only increase their attractiveness as food sources for these pests!
Seal all holes where pipes enter the house with metal, not vinyl.
You should also seal all holes where pipes enter the house with metal, not vinyl. Wooden pipes are a source of cellulose for termites to eat and it's easy for them to get inside your home through these openings. Metal is much harder for them to chew through, so it's better at keeping them out!
To do this yourself:
-
Use a utility knife or chisel to cut away any paint or caulk around the opening where your pipe meets the wall or floor. This will make it easier for you when applying sealant later on.
-
Take an old rag (or something similar) and coat it in Vaseline petroleum jelly before wrapping it around one end of each piece of metal hardware you want covered up - this will prevent corrosion from occurring while still allowing moisture out later on if needed during repairs/etcetera down line when time comes again someday soon after now today already past future yesterday evening early morning late afternoon afternoon evening tonight tomorrow morning tomorrow night tomorrow evening tomorrow early morning tomorrow afternoon
Install wire mesh on windows and door frames.
-
Install wire mesh on windows and door frames. The mesh should be placed around the window frame, and also around the door frame if possible. If you're unable to install it on your entire door, try installing it just below where people would normally open their doors. You want this to be at least 5 inches away from both sides of your wall (or as far away as possible), so that termites won't find their way inside via this route. You'll also want to make sure that there's no gap between where the wire ends above your floorboards--termites could crawl through those gaps!
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, get help immediately!
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, get help immediately! Termites are destructive and can cause a lot of damage. They're also very difficult to detect. If left untreated, they will continue to eat away at your home until it's unsafe and uninhabitable. This can cost thousands in repairs or even force you out of your home altogether.
So what should I do if I see signs of termites? Call an exterminator as soon as possible!
Conclusion
With a little diligence, you can keep termites out of your home. The best way to do this is by hiring a professional exterminator who will inspect your property regularly and treat it with chemicals if necessary. They'll also give advice on how to make sure that there aren't any sources of cellulose around the house (like cardboard boxes), which would attract these pests in the first place!