Termites are one of the most prevalent pests at home. As a homeowner, your property is one of the top value investments. However, with termites infestation, your property will lose its value quickly.
For a long time, most real estate people believed termites could only attack wooden structures. It has, however, since been established that termites can affect more materials. So, whether you have a brick home or any other materials, you are at risk for termites.
To protect your home, you need to understand the various causative factors and how to manage them.
Risk factors for termites
Now that you have established termites attack more than just wood, you have to stay careful when dealing with any material. You might even consider working with professional pest exterminators to identify termite risk factors in your home to keep you safe from their infestations.
Some of the common things that attract termites include;
Moisture – Moisture near the foundation of your house is likely to attract subterranean termites. The ground around the home provides a suitable breeding ground, while the wood has the food. With the additional moisture, the termites would be breeding and multiplying fast enough.
Monitor the house for clogged gutters, leaky pipes and broken sprinkles to avoid possible moisture around the home. Keep the landscaping around the foundation trimmed or removed to avoid trapping moisture. Also, ensure the basement, crawl spaces, attics, and basement are well ventilated.
Decaying wood – Wood is one of the most prevalent termite risks. Whether you have a wooden deck or porch, fence posts, wooden or any other wood item, be sure it will attract termites. Even though your house might be of a different material, wood contact gives the termites a leeway to the house.
Remove every form of wood near your house to keep it safe. Erect any type of mulch, posts or stumps away from the house. Also, avoid any overhanging branches or limbs over or near your roof.
Cracks and openings – Cracks and openings around the home’s foundation, roof or wall allow the space necessary for termites to access the house. Termites are aggressive in their search for moisture. They will take advantage of any opening to get to the place.
To keep your home safe, invest in the periodic inspection of the house. Ensure the windows, doors, and rails are in shape and make repairs when necessary. Lookout for any broken or loose seals on the spaces the plumbing line and electrical circuits enter the house. Also, inspect the roof regularly for possible damages and repair whenever necessary.
Geography – Where you stay determines the termites’ infestation. Some regions are more prone to termites than other places. The termites are likely to occur in warmer and wetter areas. Study the Forestry service report on termite occurrence to determine whether your place is high risk or not.
Protecting your Home against the risk of termites
Understanding the risk factors for termites in your home is the first step towards keeping safe from infestation. The next step is to protect against these risks. In most cases, you can never determine all the threats by yourself. Contact a professional pest terminator.
Working with a professional terminator increases the chances of establishing risks and blocking them before your house gets destroyed. You also get to notice any form of infestation early enough. The professional has the expertise and chemicals to eliminate the termites. While it might seem costly to hire a professional, it is the best way to save money in the long run as you keep your home intact.
