Termites have been an important part of the earth’s ecological system for many millions of years. They infest dead and dying trees and speed up the natural cycle of deterioration – allowing for new growth to begin. Unfortunately, they can’t distinguish between the wood in your home and the wood in a forest. That’s why it’s vital to take steps to make sure your home doesn’t become their home.
Here are 3 Effective steps for termite defense of your home.
Step 1: Call a pest management professional to uncover, control and prevent termites
Small holes in wood, crumbling drywall, sagging doors or floors, insect wings and small shelter tubes are some of the more obvious signs of a potential infestation of termites. But even if you don’t notice any of these signs, that doesn’t necessarily mean termites, or the conditions that invite them, aren’t there.
Regular inspections by a licensed pest management professional are the best way to help ensure your home truly is, and remains, free from termites and the damage they cause. Qualified pest management professionals have the training in termite biology and behavior to identify, prevent and treat termite infestations. Best Exterminating, (540) 635-8930, will perform a thorough inspection of your home to determine if, where, and how termites are getting in. We can also explain how to correct any conditions in your home that invite termites.
For example:
- Don’t affix wooden trellises to exterior walls.
- Keep mulch, wood debris, scrap lumber, sawdust and firewood away from your home. If you do keep firewood outside your house during the winter, keep it raised and off the ground.
- Don’t stack, store or bury wood debris adjacent to your home.
- Trim all shrubs, bushes and other dense greenery away from the foundation of your home. Move mulch away from the foundation as well.
- Remove infested trees and stumps.
- Repair leaking faucets and water lines, both indoors and outdoors.
- Fix leaky roofs and gutters.
- Don’t allow leaves to accumulate in gutters and drains.
- Grade soil so that water (including air-conditioning condensation) runs away from foundations.
- Ventilate crawl spaces and attics to reduce humidity.
- Remove all wood to soil contact.
- Cover at least 90% of the soil in crawl spaces with plastic sheeting.
- Ideally, wood siding, stucco and foam board should be at least six inches away from the ground.
- Seal all cracks and holes in your home’s foundation, which may provide a handy access point for termites.
Step 2: Request Termidor for unsurpassed termite control and prevention (Best Exterminating Services uses Termidor)
Call Best Exterminating at (540) 635-8930 to set up an appointment.
If the inspection reveals termites, your pest management professional can get rid of them and keep them from returning. If it appears that your home is currently free of termites, congratulations! Now, it’s time for your pest management professional to take preventative action to ensure it stays that way. For the most effective way to address either situation, your pest management professional will recommend Termidor, America’s #1 termite defense product.
Step 3: Safeguard your Termidor termite treatment with regular inspections
A clean bill of health from a doctor today doesn’t mean it’s not important for you to get regular check-ups in the future. Your home after a Termidor treatment is no different. Regular check-ups by Best Exterminating will make sure Termidor continues to do its job and that your home remains termite-free for as long as you live there.