The average termite repair costs a homeowner $3,000, that’s an amount that could easily damage a family’s savings and bring on unnecessary stress.
Termites are absolutely an issue you don’t want to (and can’t) ignore, we’ve talked about how to look for a potential termite problem, but today we are going to give you some ideas to prevent the problem from ever occurring.
The Scary Truth
Avoiding termites at all costs should be your goal, while getting an exterminator or buying poisons may seem like a simple solution dealing with termites is without a doubt a nightmare.
A single termite colony can be made up of between 300,000 to one million “workers.” In addition, one termite queen can lay thousands of eggs per day and live 30-50 years.
In just six months serious structural damage can occur, and in only two years a home can be destroyed by these pesky invaders.
If these numbers seem startling to you, that’s because they are! The best solution to a termite problem is never to have one.
What You Can Do
Once you’re sure you don’t already have an infestation, don’t waste time in termite proofing your home.
- Regular Check-Ups: Why skimp on something that can only benefit your biggest investment, your home? We do a full WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect) inspection and offer a 90 day warranty.
- Watch Your Roof: Repair broken tiles and check for damp areas which create moisture that may attract termites.
- Be Mindful of your A/C: Keep your air conditioning unit‘s moisture release away from your home’s foundation.
- Declutter: Cardboard boxes full of papers and old photos, especially in the attic, are a food source for termites. An easy fix is to swap your cardboard for plastic boxes. If you store things in your garage keep items away from the walls, otherwise termites now have a direct route into your home.
- Foolproof Floors: Place a termite barrier when building a new home if you have wooden floors and be sure to monitor any potential termite damage regularly.
- Furniture Placement: If you have wooden furniture, keep it away from walls and consider making the switch to another material, like metal.
- Shut the Front Door: For that matter, keep all doors and windows closed during swarming season. Swarming season occurs in the spring when termites with wings (swarmers) like to come out.
- Clear the Yard: Avoid burying waste lumber or letting decaying vegetation pile up, g., fallen branches, roots from plants, and scrap wood.
- Restrict Wood to Ground Contact: Use concrete supports to raise wooden beams, like those for decks, patios, fence posts, etc., off of the ground. Termite-resistant and treated fence posts are a possibility if you don’t want to use a material other than wood.
While these tips are an excellent strategy in preventing termites, regular check-ups will be necessary. If you’re serious about dodging this nightmare, then you must be proactive.
We Can Help
Call us today and let our team of pros put your mind at ease.
