Termites - The High Risk Areas

Termites can hit you when you least expect it. The damage they can do could be massive. Regular inspection and termite control by a professional company is the best way to keep your home safe. The best ones will offer you a warranty on their services. Doing your own inspection and checks regularly can add another level of protection. After all, you know your home better than anyone else and so are best placed to spot any changes that could signify a termite infestation. Checking all the wooden parts of the home and the furniture is good, but paying special attention to the high risk areas is important. Here are the parts of your home that you should pay particular attention to when looking for signs of termites.

The Outside

Subterranean termites prefer damp wood. Overflowing gutters and downspouts on the exterior of a building can lead to moisture collecting near the foundation. Reducing the collection of moisture will reduce the chances of termites being attracted to the building. Keeping the gutter clean and free flowing and directing water away from downspouts with dry wells and/or extensions will help in this.

Utility Pipes

The opening in floors and foundations through which utility pipes run are a common entry point for termites. Any water leaks from these pipes will cause dampness to develop and this, if it affects nearby wood, will draw in termites. Leaking bath traps and water dripping from air conditioning drains could also cause pools of water to develop, creating a termite breeding ground.

Mulch And Wood Chips

Wood chips and mulch are useful in the garden. These are both ideal food sources for termites. Mulch should be stored as far away as possible from the siding or foundation of the home as termites that collect there will soon migrate into the structure. The places where mulch and wood are stored should also be regularly inspected for signs of termites. Do not allow scrap wood to collect in crawl spaces. If firewood is stored indoors, it should be placed on a platform so that it is a few inches above any contact with the floor or ground. Even then termites can build mud tubes to allow them to reach the wood, but these are relatively easy to spot so early action can be taken to get rid of them.

Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are where dirt and moisture collect. Inspecting and cleaning these areas out regularly can be a pain, but by doing so, the chances of termite nests developing there are greatly reduced.

Termites have been around since before man walked on the planet. They will probably still be around when after human cease to exist. That does not mean that infestations and damage are inevitable. A little care can go a long way in protecting your home, which is the center of your family’s life. While using a professional termite control service is the best way to protect it, doing your own checks will add to the level of protection.