Protecting your home from termites
When you establish a home, one of your goals is to protect it from predators. You put locks on your doors and windows, you install outdoor lights to illuminate entrances, you may even have a security system. However, what are you doing about the other predators your home has? The ones you do not see as readily? What about termites? It is widely known that termites can be devastating to homes, but the full extent of their destructiveness is greater than most homeowners realize. Termite damage costs homeowners billions of dollars every year. So, it is time to become aware, and do something to protect your home from termites.
So you need to worry about termites?
Termites inhabit every U.S. state but Alaska. So if you live in Alaska, don't worry, but otherwise, yes worry!
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What termites should I worry about?
All termites are ones that warrant worry. However, subterranean termites are the most destructive species. These subterranean termites often go undetected, devouring a home from the inside and compromising the structural integrity of the house. If your home is new, that does not mean you should not worry. Termites are just as likely to attack newly built homes as existing ones. Termite damage is not covered by homeowner's insurance. So, do not blow this off as unimportant. As a responsibly homeowner, you should take every precaution to prevent termite damage to your home.
What can you do to protect your home from termites?
Eliminate wood contact with the ground. You want wood to be at a minimum of six inches from the ground, and if possible up to 18 inches is ideal. Direct wood-to-soil contact by wood siding, porch steps, latticework, posts, etc. is like an invitation for termites to access your house. Avoid wood near the house, and touching the house, and especially things like don't place firewood against the house.
If you want to protect your home from termites it is important to prevent moisture accumulation near the foundation. Termites are attracted to moisture, and if you direct moisture away from the foundation you reduce the risk of termites. To do this, keep pipes, air conditioning etc. in good repair. Also, focus on keeping gutters, splash blocks and downspouts in good condition. Make sure that the ground next to the foundation slopes away from the house, if possible.
Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation.
If you notice an existing termite problem, consider hiring a licensed pest management professional. If you can afford to, schedule periodic home inspections by a professional pest control firm, that way you will able have peace of mind about termites.
If you have not built your home yet, plan to protect for termites pre-build. You can use a termite blocker that will keep close to eighty percent away from your home foundation. Use something like IMPASSE Termite Blocker to protect gaps in the foundation along pipes.
Be wise, protecting your home against termites is hugely important, think about it, your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Your home deserves to be well protected. Take the above protections seriously and be as wise as possible about your home. Act quickly, and take precaution, you do not want to see your home ruined or damaged by neglect by you. So, do what you can, and when you can't seek some help from a professional. Termite and pest control can be expensive, but the cost to replace your foundation is even higher.
