How To Avoid Termite Damage In Your Home

A termite infestation can be catastrophic for your property. Once they get into your home their numbers can reach into the millions. In such numbers, termites can leave a path of destruction that can be devastating for the property owner. It is possible to treat an infestation very successfully, but the best course of action is prevention. When the weather starts warming, it’s time to make sure you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to prevent termites from infesting your property.

10 Things You Can Do to Prevent a Termite Infestation

     1. Termites need moisture to thrive, so you should eliminate or reduce all moisture in and around your home.

2. Check taps, water pipes and exterior AC units for leaks and repair if necessary.Check and repair fascias and soffits.
3. Any loose mortar around the foundations and windows should be replaced.
4. Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts to ensure excess water is diverted away from your house.
5. Regularly check around the foundations of your home for signs of termites. Look out for mud tubes, which the termites use to reach their food source. Also look for bubbling or uneven paint and wood that sounds hollow when you tap it.
6. Routinely inspect exterior wood such as door frames, windows, and skirting boards for any significant changes.
7. If you have any wood areas on the exterior of your home there should be a gap of at least 45 centimetres between the wood and any soil.
8. If you have a store of firewood outside it should be at least 6 metres away from your home.
9. Schedule an annual inspection from your local pest control company.
   
   There are also a number of natural treatments you can use to control termites.

All Natural Termite Treatments

If you suspect you’ve got some unwelcome visitors, try one or more of the following natural treatments before you call a professional pest removal company.

Nematodes

Nematodes are a type of parasitic worm and they like nothing better than feasting on termites. You can buy them online or from certain speciality shops. If you suspect termites have taken up residence in a certain area release the nematodes and they’ll start eating the termites. As the nematode numbers increase, they’ll continue feasting on the termites until they’re all gone.

Vinegar

Vinegar can be used for many things in the home. Not only is a great cleaner, it can also be used to kill termites. Mix half a cup of vinegar with the juice of two lemons and spray it where you think there are termites. You will have to repeat the treatment until all the termites have gone.

Borates

Also known as borax, it can be used for washing your laundry and killing termites. Either mix it with water and spray where you think there’s an infestation or sprinkle the powder in the affected area. This treatment has to be repeated to ensure all the colony is eliminated.

Orange Oil

Orange oil contains d-limonene, which is very effective at killing termites. Orange oil can be purchased online or from home improvement or garden shops. It can be sprayed directly onto the termites or in the area where you think the termites might be. It can also be used as a deterrent.

Wet Cardboard

Termites love water and cellulose, both of which are very abundant in wet cardboard. Use the wet cardboard as a bait for the termites and when they settle in for a feast, you remove the cardboard and destroy it along with the termites.

If these natural treatments don’t work the only sensible course of action is to call for the help of any good professional pest control services.