Before You Call Termite Control - A Few Things You Can Do

Termite control starts with some simple things you can do to keep them out of your house. Before you call the exterminator, you should try eliminating the conditions where these bugs flourish. Here are some things you can do by yourself to reduce the likelihood of an infestation.

Watch Your Moisture

One thing termites love is moisture. You should make sure there aren't any moisture sources close to your home. Look for areas of standing water, leaky pipes, gutters or flashing. If you see anything in disrepair, fixing it might just be all the termite control you need. Always keep your eyes on areas around the house to see if there is water that could be coming into your foundation somewhere.

Move Your Garden

One way that they often get into your house is from the soil that comes into contact with the foundation. It's really easy for them to tunnel through this soil and go straight into the wood. Loose soil is the easiest for them, so reducing the soil makes it tough for them to get through. This is also something that will keep water away from the foundation and prevent the moist environment termites love. If your garden is located right next to the house, you should think about moving it somewhere else since this is a great gateway for them to enter through.

Keep It Clean

Like cockroaches and other nasty bugs that we all hate, termites love a dirty home. They flourish in dirty, untidy and generally messy conditions. This means that keeping your house as neat and tidy as possible can be the best method of controlling a termite infestation, and it doesn't even cost you anything. One tip is to get rid of all cardboard or wooden boxes. These create the perfect environment for them. Also make sure you don't store firewood anywhere inside the house.

Make A Few Changes

There are a few changes you can make in your home that will help with your termite control. One is to get rid of wooden flooring and go with another type. Wooden flooring is a perfect breeding ground for termites. You can also choose types of wood for furniture such as pressure-treated wood, because termites can't get through it.

Watch Out For Warning Signs

Monitoring your home for termites is another great termite control method. You often won't see the actual bugs, but you might see evidence of their burrowing or leftover wings. It's possible to see the actual insects with the naked eye, but they usually stay hidden in hard to reach places.

Even if you call the termite control specialists and have the bugs taken care of, you should consider these tips for keeping your home free from them in the future. You should also ask them for some tips to help keep them from coming back. There's nothing like getting good, solid pointers from the experts. Take advantage of their visit to your home to get advice from them, and you'll never see these nasty little bugs again.