Five Tips to Prevent Termites in Your Home This Spring

Spring and summer in Florida is a beautiful time - it means longer days, beautiful weather, and more time outdoors. Unfortunately though, for homeowners, the warmer weather also comes with the possibility of termite infestations in your home. Did you know termite damage in the United States causes more than $20 billion in damage to crops and structures such as homes? What’s more, if you discover termites in your home, chances are you’re going to spend upwards of $3,000 to completely repair the damage.

If you don’t want your home to be just another part of that statistic, the best thing you can do is take a proactive approach to preventing them altogether.

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Eliminate Termite’s Chance of Survival

The key to keeping termites out of your home is to understand what they need to survive. Termites need regular sources of wood, water, and soil. By eliminating these sources from them, you can reduce the risk of them infesting your home.

• Wood: Termites seek any material that contains cellulose. Wood contains a significant amount of cellulose and is their primary food source.
• Water: Because termites are living things, they must also have a regular source of water. Whether it's rain or a leaky sink, termites seek out moisture.
• Soil: Termites build in the soil underneath the ground. They create mud tubes leading from their colonies to above-ground food sources.

Tip #1: Store wood away from your home

It may be easier to keep woodpiles close to your home for easy access, but it really isn't a good idea. Woodpiles attract termites, bringing them directly to your house. Instead, keep firewood and sawdust off the ground and at least 20 feet from your home-- the recommendation from the National Pest Association. Also, consider using treated lumber for structures that will sit close to the ground.

Tip #2: Spread rubber mulch

Termites are drawn to mulch because it feeds the soil with nutrients and retains moisture. Home improvement stores sell rubber mulch, which will deter termites from getting close to your home's foundation. If you must spread regular mulch, keep it as far from your home as possible.

Tip #3: Trim your trees and bushes

Termites and other insects use leaves and limbs as pathways to your house. Mow your lawn and maintain trees and bushes regularly to stop termites from reaching your house and creating a colony.

Tip #4: Seal cracks and crevices

Just like other pests, termites can enter your home through cracks in your home's foundation and open crawl spaces. Be sure to seal cracks well and cover crawl spaces with plastic sheeting to avoid them getting inside in the first place.

Tip #5: Remove their water sources

Take away sources of water by cleaning leaves and twigs from gutters and repairing water leaks indoors and outdoors as soon as you notice them. Reduce humidity by ventilating attics and crawl spaces.

Final Tip: Enlist Professional Termite Exterminators

The truth of the matter is you can take all of these precautionary measures, and somehow, termites still find their way in. The most effective way to deter termites altogether is with the help of a seasoned professional. Here at Paul's Termite and Pest Control, we provide comprehensive termite control in Jacksonville and Tallahassee that utilizes low-chemical, advanced bait technology. Our termite control method involves three elements: detection, elimination, and prevention. So whether you need to get rid of a termite infestation or you want to safeguard your home to ensure that never happens, we can help.