Termites are some of the most destructive pests that attack homes. They’re called “silent destroyers” because they chomp on the wooden and paper elements of the buildings without most people realizing it. All the destruction usually only comes into full view when a wall has collapsed or floors have given out.
Clearly, no homeowner would want to discover termites in their home. However, most homes have components that are attractive to these pests. If you’re worried about these wood-eaters compromising the aesthetic and structural integrity of your home, pest control experts have the most effective tips to share to protect your home.
1. Cleanliness is key.
Keeping your home tidy really makes a big difference in preventing pests, including termites, from attacking your home. Rubbish of all kinds creates hiding places for little creepers and if these get wet, they are likely to attract moisture-loving creatures like termites even more.
2. Tackle plumbing problems right away.
If you have a broken pipe or leaky taps and showerheads, your house automatically becomes prone to pest infestation. Subterranean termites, in particular, can be an issue; they rely on the ground for moisture, so if they find a home “moist,” they’ll instinctively gravitate to it. A leaky pipe will create an ideal environment for an entire termite colony, and all the wet components will become the colony’s food source.
Making sure you don’t have plumbing problems that could make your home wetter than usual will prevent termites from moving in.
3. Treat all wooden elements with persimmon juice.
Persimmon juice is an environmentally safe coating for wood. It can make wood water-resistant and it has antiseptic, insecticidal and antibacterial properties. Specialists in eco-friendly pest control swear by using persimmon juice in making homes less attractive to termites and other common household pests.
Persimmon juice also provides the side benefit of giving the wood a more consistent hue.
4. Keep your home as dry as possible.
Make sure that when you water your plants outside, you don’t hit the sides of your house as well. Avoid any kind of moisture accumulation in and outside the home because as already established earlier, termites are attracted to moisture.
If there are dank areas in your home, you can use charcoal and packs of silica gel to manage the moisture. This trick is especially useful for cabinets or closets that termites are known to target as well.
5. Conduct regular structural repairs.
Make sure to fill cracks and holes, especially in your foundation’s masonry and around doors and window frames. Don’t make entering your home easy for termites and other pests.
6. Free your gutters and downspouts from any type of buildup.
Get rid of dust and matted leaves. These can create moisture that could then attract termites. Use a leaf blower especially during autumn, or a gutter guard to make removal of fallen leaves and other debris easier.
7. Keep firewood away from your home.
Don’t lean your pile of firewood against the side of your house. If you do this, even if termites discover the wood, they are located away from your home. Do the same thing for stacks of newspapers.
8. Avoid planting trees, shrubs and even crawling plants close to your house.
Plants not only have a lot of moisture which termites like, but their stems, branches and leaves that touch your house also serve as highways leading the pests into your home.
9. Use termite-repellents.
Ask a pest control professional about the different termite repellent products that you can use at home to prevent an infestation. There are many options available in the market and the professionals can tell you about the most effective ones, as well as those that have special formulations that take certain users’ requirements into consideration.
These solutions are usually the most effective in keeping termites out and away from your home. The important thing to remember here is to make your home unattractive to termites. Follow all of these tips to keep the “silent destroyers” from taking interest in your abode.
