Termite damage is a serious problem that causes billions of dollars’ worth of losses around the world each year. Termites are insects that resemble ants, and live in colonies, eating wood and decaying organic matter.
Termites can cause considerable damage in a relatively short amount of time, which is why it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent their introduction in your home.
1) Have Your Home Checked Regularly
The first step towards termite prevention is undertaking regular checkups to ensure that your home is free of an infestation. Only a professional can guarantee that your home is not infested, after a thorough check up.
Before buying a property or a home, our Brentwood Real Estate Agents suggest that you have it professionally assessed for termite activity.
2) Remove All Sources of Moisture
Termites thrive in moist environments and are highly dependent on sources of water for survival. Our Brentwood Realtors recommend you make sure there are no leaks or broken pipes anywhere in your home, as they will provide termites with a perfect growing environment.
3) Repair Holes and Openings in Your Home
Just like most other insects, openings and cracks in the home foundation and other places will provide termites a convenient opening into the house. Often times, our expert Brentwood Real Estate Agents advise that you ensure that such openings are promptly sealed.
4) Use Termite-Resistant Treated Wood
Chemically treated wood reduces the chances of termite infestation. Our Brentwood Realtors propose that you use treated wood for construction inside your home and for external structures. Additionally, make sure you raise outdoor decks and other wooden structures, so that they are not in direct contact with the soil.
5) Minimize Contact between Wood and Soil
Termites construct elaborate tunnels within the soil and gain access to sources of food and moisture within your home. Our Brentwood Realtors say by minimizing direct contact between the soil and wood, you can block this direct path effectively.
6) Avoid Storing Wood in the Yard
Wood stored outside the home acts as a very strong source of attraction to termites. These creatures devour wood at a very fast speed and are attracted like magnets to wood stored outdoors. If you do store wood outdoors, our Brentwood Real Estate Agents suggest you keep it a safe distance from your home, in a safe enclosed location.
7) Keep Mulch Away from Your Home
Mulch is a source of food for termites. It is also high in moisture content, which makes it attractive to these pests. Our Brentwood Realtors recommend you keep all items such as wood mulch away from the periphery of your home.
8) Remove Heavy Shrubs and Plant Growth around Your Home
Thick bushes and shrubs close to the boundary of your home increase the moisture levels and can contribute to termite infestation.
9) Ensure Adequate Ventilation
Good ventilation and air circulation can go a long way in dissuading termite infestation, because it reduces the buildup of moisture and humidity required by termites.
10) Remove Stagnant Water around Your Home
Stagnant standing water around a building can also act as a source of attraction to termites. Our Brentwood Real Estate Agents advise you to avoid letting water sit stagnant around your home. Ensure good drainage and check that gutters and pipes are running free, without obstructions or blocks.