Continuing with the list of termite hotspots in your home.
- Wooden Furniture: Wood is the predominant material used for residential furniture. It is found all over the home and will attract termites from wherever they are able to find entry points into the structure. It does not matter what type of wood it is,if it is wood, termites will be interested. There are 2 ways to reduce the chances of termite damage. The first, and usually unrealisticone, is to replace as much wooden furniture as possible with items made from other materials. The second and the more practical way is to keep furniture away from walls to make it more difficult for the termites to reach these food sources.
- Laundry Room: An enclosed room, usually in the interior of a home, filled with metal appliances may not seem to be a termite hotspot. But they are known to eat clothing if it is made of cotton, as it contains cellulose. To prevent clothing from being damaged, keep it in either a tightly closed hamper or in the washer or dryer, with the door closed to prevent termite entry.
- The Bedroom: With wooden beds, wardrobes, cabinets, tables and other furniture, besides carpets and other fabrics, the bedroom serves as a food source for termites. Besides keeping the furniture away from walls, check under the beds regularly for signs of termite infestation. Check under mattresses and if possible, check behind wardrobes and cabinets for signs of termites.
- The Garage: Garages are typical places where unwanted or rarely used items are stored, usually for a long period of time. These materials often serve food to termites. Since the items are not disturbed for a long period, termites will happily make a home there. The garage is also a place from where access to the rest of the house becomes easy. Keep storage units away from walls and place loose items on metal, not wooden tables or platforms. If there are shelves on the wall, ensure that the pile of stored material does not form a hill that termites can climb to reach the shelves and what is on them.
- The Kitchen: From wooden furniture and fittings to food meant for human consumption, the kitchen is like a supermarket for termites. Cupboards and cabinets are great nesting places and dampness that remains for any length of time will attract termites. If you live in an area where swarming termites are common, keep the doors and windows closed during the swarming season. Check cupboards and cabinets regularly for any signs of termite activity. And inspect the plumbing to spot and fix any leaks.
- The Garden: The garden contains a great deal of material that termites feed on and to make base from where they can explore way to get into the house. Remove dead trees and tree stumps for the yard. If mulch is being used, ensure that it is not placed near the walls or foundation as this will make it easier for termites to find a way indoors.
Taking precautions against termites will help to protect your house. But by itself, it is not enough. The best protection comes from using a professional termite control company to inspect your home and get rid of any termite infestation early, before any serious damage can be done.
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