Protecting homes against termite damage can help save homeowners a lot of money. There are many ways to help prevent termite infestation, including non-chemical pest control methods. Here are seven ways you can minimize your risk of termite breakouts without using chemicals:
1. Regular Inspection
Hiring a professional pest control company to conduct regular inspections lowers the possibility of termite attacks.
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Professional technicians have the knowledge and experience to examine your home and recommend the best prevention or treatment methods. You may be tempted to carry out a DIY inspection, but this is ill-advised due to a lack of experience spotting common signs of termites. Most professional pest exterminators rarely miss identifying even the slightest evidence of termites. Some of the indicators of termite infestation that inspectors look for include:
- Mud tubes
- Hollowed woods
- Termite droppings (frass)
- Swarmer
- Termite wings
2. Use Physical Barriers
Constructing physical termite barriers along the foundation of your home may save you from an invasion of termites. Physical barriers do not include chemical treatments and often have a long lifespan depending on how well they are installed and maintained. Many pest control companies offer a wide range of physical barrier options, including mesh and basaltic particle barriers.
If you are currently building a home, consider a concrete foundation or stainless steel mesh. Both of these will help prevent termites from getting inside as they are too hard for them to eat through.
3. Keep Wood Away From the Ground
Termites feed on firewood, lumber, and other wood products such as boxes and newspapers. Direct contact between wood products and the ground increases the risk of a termite outbreak. Elevate any wood to keep it away from the ground. You can also use metal flashing to keep wood from directly touching the foundation.
4. Remove Moisture
Termites thrive in moist environments. Keeping your home dry makes it less attractive to them. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help keep your home’s humidity low.
For the outside, use gutters and downspouts to redirect water away from your foundation. Working with a termite expert can help you identify any problem areas and find a solution to minimize moisture conditions around your home.
5. Use Termite-resistant Woods
Certain trees have a natural resistance to termites, making them unlikely candidates for an attack. A few types of wood on this list are redwood, certain varieties of cedar, and cypress. Structures constructed with timber from these trees may face less termite threat.
6. Keep Your Property Clean
A clean property is less attractive to termites because they feed on waste, such as pieces of wood, leaves, and other debris. Removing such materials from your property eliminates their food source, lowering the risk of an infestation. Some of the waste materials to discard include:
- Rotting tree stumps
- Old newspapers and other paper products
- Drying tree branches
- Cardboard
7. Seal Cracks and Holes in the Foundation
Termites can squeeze through the smallest of openings to access your roof, walls, and attic. This can cause immeasurable damage. Sealing cracks in the foundation can stop termites from accessing your house.
Liaise With Pest Control Company
Non-chemical methods help prevent termite breakouts. Consider combining non-chemical measures with inspections by a reputable pest control company. Prevent and detect pest invasions ahead of time before they cause massive damage to your property.
