Home Prevention Tips for Termite Infestations

For those who have any significant wood areas in their homes, whether we’re talking decks, patios, walls, doors or any others, termites are a primary pest concern. Some of the most well-known pests on the planet, termites are one of several wood-destroying pests that live and make their homes in Utah structures.

At Bug Busters, we’re here to help with termite inspection, identification and eradication as part of our general pest control services. Keeping termites from invading your wood spaces comes down to a combination of proper inspection and some basic preventive services – here are some areas you can consider that will keep these pests well clear of your home.

Proper Wood Choice

For those who already own risky wood types, there’s not much to be done here until it’s time to replace them. But if you’re at a stage where replacing or upgrading wood areas is on the table for you, selecting the right wood can make a huge difference.

Specifically, we recommend any wood that’s been pressure-treated, or any wood with a “hard” designation. These wood types are more difficult for termites to eat, and as such they generally ignore them and search for other food sources.

Cracks and Sealing

Termites have to access your wood areas somehow, and you can make this difficult for them by performing the proper sealing and repair of cracks. The more of these little areas that go unchecked, the more pathways termites and other pests have for invading and making their nests. You want to make these areas unwelcome, and that means proper repairs and sealing.

Termites and Moisture

Down related lines, termites and all other pest types need basic food and moisture to survive. For this reason, termites won’t only target wood for the food aspect – they also need to be somewhere where they can access water.

With this in mind, sealing and other practices should be aimed at preventing moisture buildup in any wood areas. Decks, walls and other wood materials should be protected and kept free of leaks, plus outfitted with proper drainage systems so standing water isn’t allowed to build up.

Pesticides

Another good prevention method for termites and other pests in wood areas is spraying pesticides, of which there are two types for termites: A repellant and an actual killer of active termites. Only professionals should use and apply these products.

Professional Termite Inspection

And finally, a yearly professional termite inspection is the most straightforward way to ensure you don’t deal with a termite infestation. This is a period where our pros can both inspect for signs of termite damage and spray pesticides if appropriate, preparing your wood spaces for a full year of termite prevention.

For more on keeping termites out of your home, or to learn about any of our pest control or exterminator services, speak to the staff at Bug Busters today.