Barrier Treatment is Still the Effective Means to Protect Home from Termite

May 9
19:24

2012

Ma. Theresa Galan

Ma. Theresa Galan

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Protecting your home from termites is one of the best moves you can make as a homeowner. Barrier treatments can be effective and they're relatively inexpensive. These are sprayed around the perimeter of your house and in key locations. Bait stations have been known to succeed.

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And don't hesitate calling a pest professional if you have an infestation you can't handle. It will save you money in the long run. Keep Wood Off the Ground   Direct contact with the soil is one of the leading causes of termite infestation. The wood-eating pests have easy access to the things they need to multiply,Barrier Treatment is Still the Effective Means to Protect Home from Termite Articles food, moisture and shelter, not to mention an easy way into your home. Keep the wood in your house six inches above the ground. That includes latticework and other decorations. If you have posts in concrete that are a part of your house, you're vulnerable to termite infestation. That's because the ends of the posts are buried below the concrete.   Keep Moisture Down   Termites love a moist environment. Make sure your gutters are diverted away from your house. Keep the sprinkler away from your house as well. Leaking window air conditioners, faucets and any other source that can make your wood moist should be fixed.   Firewood Storage   It might be easier in the winter to take one or two steps outside to get more firewood, but you're giving termites the same easy access to your house. Keep firewood stored away from your house. Bring in enough to keep your fire burning as long as you like, but keep the bulk of your wood as far from your home as possible. The same goes for other types of wood. And don't think pressure treated wood is immune to termite attack. It's not.   Stumps and Vines   Old tree stumps, tree roots and clumps of vines give termites a pathway into your house. Remove any tree stumps near your home, along with any old roots. While ivy looks nice, it can lead to termites. Unless you have a brick structure that's sealed tight, it's best left off the side of your house.   Mulch   While you need mulch to keep weeds down, you don't need it touch the wood of your house, or even near your foundation. Mulch keeps the soil most, which is perfect for termites.  It doesn't make any difference which kind of wood mulch is used, either. The same goes for gravel or river rock. They will attract termites the same way mulch does.   Roof and Plumbing   Be sure to repair any roof or plumbing leaks in your house as soon as possible. The wet wood will attract termites and give them a place to thrive.   If you do any siding or roof repair, seal the nail holes and cracks with caulk or wood filler as soon as possible. This will help limit the termites’ access. Also, use mesh screens on your windows and doors, as well as the vent openings in your attic and crawl space. For more information of this topic, check the links below: pest control auckland, insect control, pest control