Termites are destroyers. Their insatiable appetite for wood can wreak havoc on your home. Each year in the US, these pests cause structural damage, necessitating billions of dollars in repairs. In fact, their dietary need for cellulose — the main component in the cell walls of plants and wooden structures, furniture, money, clothes, etc. — causes more wood destruction in homes than do fires and high winds.
To help protect your home this summer, Baltimore’s go-to pest control company, Armor Pest Control, would like to share with you some tips for preventing termites from invading and destroying your home. If you’re in need of a termite inspection or eradication, give us a call today at 410-788-8014.
Look For Signs of Termites
It is not enough to assume that you will know when termites have entered your home. This is a false assumption because termites prefer dark, moist areas, typically the undersides of wooden materials. Naturally, these are places you don’t inspect every day. To overcome this oversight, you can test your wood by giving it a tap. If it seems hollow, termites may be hard at work. Other visible indications of termites include mud tubes, which are what they construct to get the moisture they need. Another sign is termite droppings. However, these can be hard to spot for the untrained eye, because they are very small and the same color as wood.
How To Prevent Termites
Exterior
The exterior of your home naturally serves as a portal into your home. For example, broken shingles or tiles on your roof can pool moisture, which can attract termites. Similarly, AC units can provide a nice moist home for termites, as well as a nice stopover before destroying the wood in your home. To prevent this from happening, stay on top of roof maintenance and ensure that all moisture is being properly directed and released.
Attic
When is the last time you’ve been in your attic? If you are like most, it’s probably been awhile. Termites see the attic as a prime location. All the wooden beams and cardboard boxes provide an excellent and bountiful meal for termites. Check this prime spot for termite activity regularly, paying particularly close attention to the wood, moisture levels, and other potential signs of damage.
Living Room
If termites are able to make their way into your living room, they have hit the goldmine. Wood flooring, furniture, and skirting boards are all a great source of food for termites. To ensure that your living room doesn’t become a termite buffet, carry out regular inspections, keep furniture off the walls, and, if you are in the process of building a new home or remodeling, consider adding a termite barrier.
Garage
Garages can both be plentiful sources of food for termites as well as a passageway into your home. If your garage is like most, it probably contains a wide variety of items and potential termite food. Regularly check the shelves, containers, and items of your garage to ensure that termites aren’t gnawing away.
Garden
Garden areas are often full termite food. Mulch, for example, is termite heaven — moist wood chippings. Similarly, old tree stumps, fencing and decking, and piles of wood are all potential termite lures. To lessen the likelihood of termites setting up shop in your garden, remove old stumps and wood piles, leave a gap between mulch and your home, and use termite-resistant wood for decking and fences.
Termite Inspection and Removal
Although these tips can effectively deter termites, these are not a guaranteed fix. The best way to prevent termites and get peace of mind is to call a termite exterminator. A pest control professional knows what to look for and the best way to protect you and your home from these burdensome pests. If you are in the Baltimore area, give Armor Pest Control a call today. We can perform your termite inspection and, if necessary, extermination.