Learning About Natural Pest Control

Termite Tactics: How To Keep Termites Away From Your House

3 March 2017 by Norah Slieker

Termites are a tricky pest to control because of how similar they look to ants. Many homeowners ignore termites until significant damage has been done. Don't let this happen to you. Read below to learn how to keep termites away from your house.

Get Rid of Excess Moisture

Termites are attracted to water, which is why one of the best ways to keep termites away from your home is getting rid of excess moisture.

To do this, fix leaky pipes around the house, repair roof leaks, and make sure your air conditioner is working properly. Be sure that your washing machine and dishwasher are working properly and not leaking.

If your house is humid, consider running a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. This will create a less welcoming environment for termites.

Test drainage systems regularly by running water through them to ensure that they aren't clogged. Finally, be sure sprinkler systems are working properly and not flooding your property.

Get Rid of Excess Wood

Termites are also attracted to loose wood. Therefore, you need to ensure that all firewood and lumber in your yard are kept away from the perimeter of your house.

Do you have cardboard boxes stacked near the exterior of your home? If so, move them to a new location. Termites are attracted to cardboard and anything made out of paper, so be sure to keep cardboard boxes and paper materials in storage where termites can't get to the desirable materials.

Another attractant for termites is wooden furniture. If, like many homeowners, you have wooden patio furniture, keep it away from the exterior walls of your house. With that in mind, if you're currently purchasing furniture, it's a good idea to choose plastic or metal instead of wood.

Additionally, if you have a wooden patio or deck, be sure to check the wood regularly for signs of termite damage, such as wood chips, cracks, and holes. Termites discard their wings once they decide to infest an area, so be sure to check on and around the wood for discarded wings as well.

Be Aware of What's Happening Nearby

Speak with your neighbors regularly to keep up with what's going on nearby. If one of your neighbors has a termite problem, then you know to pay close attention to your property from then on. If you end up in a situation where termites are infesting your neighborhood, call a professional like BugOut Pest Control immediately to have your property inspected.

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