Termites: Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind?
Termites are one of the most serious pests of structures. Many people don’t give them much thought until their home becomes infested. There are, however, several things you can do in the name of Integrated Pest Management to reduce the risk of termites invading your home.
Eliminate wood contact with the ground. Many termite infestations result from structural wood being in direct contact with the soil. Wood siding, porch steps, latticework, door or window frames, post and similar wood elements should be at least 6 inches above ground level. Posts or stairs that are embedded in concrete are also vulnerable to termites since they usually extend all the way through the concrete to the soil. Contrary to popular belief, wood which has been pressure treated is not immune to termite attacks. Termites enter pressure-treated wood through cut ends and cracks.
Don’t allow moisture to accumulate near the foundation. Termites are attracted to moisture and are more likely to enter a structure if the soil next to the foundation is wet. Leaking faucets, water pipes and air conditioning units should be repaired, and the ground next to the foundation should be sloped to allow water to drain away from the house.
Reduce humidity in crawl spaces by providing adequate ventilation. Shrubs, vines and other vegetation should not be allowed to grow over the vents, thus preventing air flow.
Do not store firewood, lumber or other wood debris against the foundation or in the crawl space of the house. These materials attract termites and provide food. Also, when these materials are stacked against the house, they offer a hidden path of entry into the house. For that reason, vines and other dense plant materials should also be cut back. For new construction, dead stumps and grade stacks should be removed.
While decorative chips and mulch may be aesthetically pleasing, be aware that any cellulose-containing materials attracts termites. Crushed stone or pea gravel, which may not be the homeowner’s first choice, is less attractive to termites and reduces problems associated with millipedes, pillbugs, earwigs, and crickets, to name a few of other pest insects.
Although the measures outlined here will help make a house less attractive to termites, a professional treatment may be needed in cases where termites have been spotted in your home. Buildings have many natural openings through which termites can enter. Soil treatment makes the ground around the foundation repellent and toxic to termites, preventing their access to the structure.
Signs of termite infestations are: * pencil thin, or larger, mud tubes extending above the inside and outside surfaces of foundation walls, piers, sills, and joists * the presence of winged termites (called reproductive swarmers), or their wings on window sills and along the edges of floors * damaged wood hollowed out along the grain and lined with bits of mud and soil.
Still, hidden termite infestations require a trained eye. Contact us to conduct an inspection if you suspect a problem and to alert you to any condition which if corrected may prevent a termite attack.