5 Smart Ways to Prevent Termite Infestation
Wood dust can accumulate in small piles under your sofa, haven't you? Termite infestations are almost always the result of this. It's extremely difficult to get rid of them once they've made their way into your home and started eating away at the foundation of your house or your pricey furniture. Checking your home for termites and other pests on a regular basis can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.
Termites are difficult to deal with in part because they are not detected until after significant damage has been done and large colonies have been established. These colonies contain thousands of termites, making it extremely difficult to remove them on your own. Termite prevention measures must be taken immediately if you have discovered termites in your home.
Listed here are some things you can do to thwart termites from trying to spread and focus on ensuring that termite treatment is effective:
Avoid Moisture
One of the most common reasons pests, such as termites, are drawn to your home is the presence of moisture. You can keep termites at bay by reducing the amount of moisture in your home. If you live in a humid area, a dehumidifier may be a good investment. The air conditioner can be turned on and off throughout the day to keep the house at a comfortable temperature and remove excess moisture from the air.
Try Fixing Leaks
Be on the lookout for any leaks or decay in your home and fix it immediately. Termites love damp, decaying surfaces, such as roofs and walls. Repair and seal any leaks as soon as you notice them, and conduct regular inspections of your home's dark corners and basements in particular. These are the first places pests will gather if you don't pay attention to them. Termites will have an easier time attacking a leak in the basement because it is so close to the ground.
Go for Decluttering
If you've hired a company to treat your home for termites or bed bugs, you should still go through your home and declutter. Pests like termites thrive in a warm, moist, and dark environment, such as cardboard boxes, old magazines, and newspapers. If you have termites in one of your rooms, don't move any of your belongings, including furniture, from that room to other areas of your home that are not infested.
Do Not Mix Soil and Wood
If you have a garden, make sure there is a sufficient distance between the soil and the wood. The majority of experts agree that a minimum of eighteen inches should be maintained between the two objects. Termites will be less likely to attack your house's foundation and your furniture if you do this. Stones or cement can be used to create a physical barrier between the soil and the wooden area in your patios, gardens, and other outdoor areas.
Use Borate
Borate is among the most prevalent termite repellents, and should be applied to wood before priming or painting. Prior to priming and painting, you can apply borate to wood by spraying it. It penetrates the wood and prevents termites from gnawing on it. To prime and paint this termite spray after it has dried will allow you to make window frames, doors, and furniture. The termite-killing power of this borate spray can last for decades.
Try Using Sunrays as a Preventive
Infected items should be placed in direct sunlight for at least three days if termites are causing damage to them. Termites can't stand the heat, so this termite protection strategy works best in the summer. The heat from the sun will kill the termites and remove the moisture from the furniture, preventing a re-infestation from occurring. Before bringing the furniture back into the house, it's a good idea to thoroughly clean it and spray it with a termite spray. You can do the same with furniture that isn't susceptible to termites to ensure that it remains termite-free.
A pest control company should be called immediately if termites have already infested your home to perform a full inspection and then apply termite control treatment. The cost of termite treatment will not appear high when compared to the damage termites can cause to the foundation of your home and your furniture.
Once you've had your residential termite control treatment, you can keep termites at bay by regularly cleaning your furniture with oils like neem oil to keep them out. The Mother Nature's Pest & Lawn pest control service in OKC can also be hired on an annual basis to check on your home and carry out any necessary treatments.
