A termite infestation is more than a nuisance. Despite their size, the appetite termites have for wood can lead to thousands of dollars in property damage. The best way to prevent this damage is to keep these destructive pests off your property from the start. Allow our team at Dewey Pest and Termite Control to provide practical tips to keep termites out of your home.
Reduce Wood-to-Ground Contact
It’s best to understand termite behavior to know how to keep them out. Most termite species found throughout California, such as subterranean termites, gain access through wood-to-ground contact. Leaving wood in direct contact with the moist soil where termites live gives these pests access to food sources and shelter when the warm fall weather disappears. They will build mud tubes in the ground to create an entry point out of your sight.
Removing wood-to-ground contact is essential to keeping termites out. Remove all lumber, wood, and mulch near your foundation. Place all firewood in an elevated space at least 20 feet away from your home. Keep all wood at least six inches off the ground and opt for concrete bases for your porch. We recommend you use cellulose-free mulch to cut off potential food sources.
Seal Entry Points
Sealing entry points is a common preventive measure for most house pests. Termites are no exception. Alongside the mud tubes they form in the soil and frequent wood-to-ground contact, termites enter your home through openings and gaps in your property’s foundation, pipes, and vents. It only takes a gap 1/32th of an inch in size for termites to sneak in and cause significant damage.
To remove these entry points, inspect the exterior of your home for cracks or crevices. Check around water and gas lines and use caulk and sealant for smaller holes. If you notice a larger opening, use stainless steel mesh before caulking.
Eliminate Moisture Sources
Termites are attracted to moisture. Excess water is essential to their survival as it helps with building their shelter and reproducing. That’s why removing moisture is essential to preventing a termite infestation. Use these moisture control methods to help keep your termite problems at bay:
- Repair leaks. Fixing leaks in pipes and faucets as soon as possible.
- Inspect for proper drainage. Clear your gutters and downspouts to keep water away from your foundation wall.
- Clean up spills. The moment you see any moisture on the floor or countertops, wipe it until it’s dry.
- Use dehumidifiers. Consider investing in a dehumidifier for areas more susceptible to moisture buildup, like attics, basements, or crawl spaces.
Remove Food Sources
A termite’s diet consists primarily of cellulose. This substance is often found in wood, grass, and leaves. It’s important to cut off access to reliable food sources that termites could have.
Keep dead trees and shrubs away from your home. Remove any tree stumps you find along your property. Don’t leave your newspaper, cardboard boxes, and other paper products lying around. Place them in a recycling bin away from your property or on an upper level, if possible.
Monitor Your Home for Signs of Termites
While keeping your home clean is a great way to keep termites out, sometimes they can slip through the cracks nonetheless. Looking for signs of termites in your house can help you catch the issue early and minimize damage. Here are some common signs of a termite infestation to look out for:
- Seeing flying swarms in the open
- Visibly damaged and hollow-sounding wood
- Blistering floors
- Mud tubes leading to your home’s foundation
- Presence of discarded wings
- Pellet-like droppings
- Peeling paint or drooping drywall
Get Professional Pest Control for Termites
Although this checklist of preventive methods comes in handy, they are not a replacement for the long-term results of professional termite control. Regular termite inspections, like those from Dewey Pest and Termite Control, will offer the services of expert and well-equipped technicians.
These technicians will access those hard-to-reach areas and identify early signs of termite infestation that would otherwise go unnoticed. From there, they will determine a specialized treatment plan tailored to your infestation for the best results possible.
How Much Does Termite Control Cost
That depends on a variety of factors. Some of our termite control services, such as whole-home fumigation, are more costly on average than our localized termite treatments. The cost also depends on the extent of your infestation and the type of termite you have. Get your free quote online to learn more about pricing for our termite control services.
Remove Your Termite Infestation Today With Dewey Pest and Termite Control
Don’t let a termite infestation cause structural damage to your property. If you notice signs of termites in the house, turn to Dewey Pest and Termite Control for the best termite control services in California. Since 1929, our technicians have provided homes and businesses statewide with effective pest control services, including termite treatments.
Even if you aren’t sure whether you have a termite problem or not, don’t wait! Contact our team online or by phone to receive your free quote on California termite control today!
