Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Termite Damage

Termites are a real pain - not only are they destructive, but they're also difficult to get rid of. And once they've infested your home, getting rid of them can be a real challenge. They are so small that they can get into your home through the smallest cracks and crevices, and once they're in, they're hard to get rid of.

You can do a few things to control termite damage, however. Some simple precautions can make your home less attractive to termites and help keep them out. But if they are impossible to avoid, contact a professional termite damage repair company as soon as possible to get rid of them and make the repairs.

Here's a step-by-step guide to preventing termite damage.

Guide to Prevent Termite Damage

Keep Your Home Dry To Prevent Termites

Excess moisture in basements, crawl spaces, decks, and other structures creates an ideal reproduction environment for termites. You can get rid of extra moisture by ensuring that your home's drainage system is effective. It is important to keep your gutters and downspouts free from debris so they can properly drain water away from your home's foundation. It would be best if you also made sure that there is no water pooling around your home's foundation. Install an irrigation system to dry the soil around your home's foundation if necessary.

You can also reduce moisture in your home by fixing leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing. In addition, use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home and ventilate crawl spaces and other areas prone to moisture build-up.

For Effective Termite Control, Avoid Ground Contact

Termite prevention ensures that your home's foundation, framing, and siding are not touching the ground. Wood close to the ground gives termites a direct path into your home since they live underground. Keep wood at least 12 to 18 inches off the ground, and use concrete or stone slabs to fill any gaps. Call a basement waterproofing in Tennessee if your home has a crawl space to ensure the area is properly sealed and ventilated.

Get Rid of Clutter to Prevent Termites in Your Home

Termites are not content to infest the structural members of your house—they will invade furniture and other wooden items within your home. Be wary of cardboard boxes, newspapers, and magazines. They make an excellent meal for termites and are often the first places they will infest. If you have structural problems in your home, such as cracks in your foundation or walls, make sure to seal them up. These cracks give termites easy access to your home.

Be mindful of the woodpiles you keep around your home. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house, and never store it directly against your home's siding. If you have lumber, fencing, or other wood materials on your property, ensure they are not touching the ground.

Fix Water Leaks to Prevent Termites

Furthering our discussion on termites being attracted to moisture, part of your termite management should include a water inspection. Make sure all plumbing fixtures are in working order and not dripping so that you can avoid any potential issues. Check out wet spots in your yard, such as puddles that form after it rains, and take steps to fix the drainage issue.

Another way to prevent termites is to ensure the air conditioning drip line drains properly. The drip line is the PVC pipe that helps remove water from your home's foundation, and if it's not draining properly, it can create a breeding ground for termites. So, make sure the drip line is draining away from your home's foundation, and if you have any doubts, call a professional foundation repair in Knoxville to take a look.

Use the Sun's Natural Power To Prevent Termites

If you spot termites, get in touch with a professional as soon as possible. These insects damage wood and other parts of your house, like walls and ceilings. However, if you only discover a few termites on a small item, you might be able to fix the issue by placing the item in direct sunlight. Termites cannot endure high temperatures; direct sunlight will kill them and dry out the wood that attracts them.

To Prevent Termites, Apply Borax as a Pre-Primer

Applying a coat of boric acid to the wood before painting creates an effective barrier against termites. Boric acid is a naturally occurring element that is poisonous to termites. It disrupts their digestive system and ultimately kills them. Therefore, this method will not only kill the termites that are currently present but also help to prevent future infestations.

Be sure to apply the boric acid solution evenly to the surface of the wood so that termites cannot find a way around it. The wood should be dry before you apply the boric acid, and you should always wear gloves and a mask when working with this substance.

Related Reads: An ultimate guide for basement waterproofing.

The Bottom Line

In your home, termites can quickly turn a small problem into a big one. These tips should help prevent termites from taking up residence in your house. If you have a termite problem, don't hesitate to contact a professional termite damage repair for help. The sooner you address the issue, the better.