Subterranean termites are most often found in homes and cause the most destruction. Termites require moisture and food warmth to thrive and reproduce. The majority of them get into homes through the foundation.
There are a variety of things homeowners can do to avoid an infestation of termites. Here are a few strategies homeowners can employ to keep a termite problem from happening.
Evidence of Termites in Wood Piles
Termites are fond of firewood because it provides a humid shelter and plenty of cellulose for them to consume.
The most crucial termite colony with the queen will be in the soil, but termites can tunnel through firewood and eat it.
When bringing firewood in, two straightforward methods exist to detect an infestation of termites in your wood.
- Holes in clusters of Termites burrow into firewood, eating wood’s fibers (cellulose) and leaving holes when they move.
- Swarmers and mud tubes: To verify if termites cause these holes, search for mud tubes and watch for termite Swarmers emerging from the pile of wood. It is possible to endeavor to open the mud tube to look for white termites, indicating that the tube is in use.
The insects you observe around your firewood might be carpenters, cockroaches, or wood-boring beetles instead of termites.
In contrast to termites, which consume wood, carpenter ants, cockroaches, and some species of beetles may be located in firewood nests.
Can I Use Firewood to Burn That Has Termites In It?
If you have yet to treat firewood infested with termites with insecticides, you can burn it.
However, pesticides can release harmful fumes, so burning treated wood inside closed spaces could be dangerous.
If you bring infested wood into your home and allow it to sit untreated for a long time, you could spread an infestation inside.
We don’t recommend getting any firewood with a potential infestation inside.
Keep Mulch Away from The Foundation
Mulch is a source of cellulose, which is a magnet for termites.
Additionally, mulch can hold moisture, precisely what termites require to live and reproduce. Specific kinds of mulches have resins that can protect against termites.
They are made of cedar and cypress. However, they do fade with time. The accurate option is with mulch. Ensure:
- It must be about 15 feet away from your foundation.
- It’s not close to any vents.
- Mulch beds should be 2 to 3 inches in depth.
Stack Firewood Off the Ground
The wood-to-earth area is the most popular place for termites to infest. These awe-inspiring creatures enjoy softwood.
Firewood creates the ideal habitat and breeding habitat for termites. You should store your firewood within 20 to 30 feet of your house to keep termites out.
A good suggestion is to avoid storing firewood in a direct line on the ground. Keep it just a few inches from the ground to avoid making a breeding space.
Remember, a termite infestation can cause significant damage to your home, so it’s crucial to take preventive measures.
Trim Trees and Bushes
Overgrown tree branches and bushes block sunlight, which causes moisture accumulation and, in turn, draws termites.
Fix Leaky Pipes and Drains
Wet areas are a source of termite breeding.
You should fix any leaking pipes and broken air conditioner condensation lines inside your home that could be drippy. Ensure there’s no standing water near your home, whether near your foundation or on the roof.
Another suggestion for outdoor areas is to divert water away from your house with downspouts. Avoiding standing water in the vicinity of the foundation will benefit you.
Seal All the Cracks and Crevices
Termites may infiltrate your home via any crevice, crack, or joint. You must cover all those spots to stop termites from getting in.
The sealing will also prevent moisture from getting inside your home. Applying a new coat of paint will seal small cracks in the wood and wood shingles. Another option is to put insect screens above attic vents to stop entrance.
Ventilate Properly
Another method to prevent the spread of termites is to ventilate crawl spaces, basements, and attics. If there isn’t enough ventilation, these areas could become damp and moist. Termites flourish in places with water, requiring a water supply to survive.
Ensure you eliminate any other construction materials that might be kept in that location.
Keep your yard clean!
As mentioned, dead wood can be an ideal food source for termites. If dead wood is discovered near the outside of your house, it can create an easy access point.
Remove all debris, sticks, and twigs, then cut and rake your grass frequently. Maintain mulch at least 4 inches from your home.
Be cautious about the kind of mulch you choose to use. Certain mulches (pine needles, pea gravel, or other organic sources) naturally resist termites. In contrast, others can be used as attractants, sources of food, or nesting spots (untreated wood chips, wood mulch, or softwood).
Get Work-Related Termite Treatment
After you have taken all the steps to avoid the spread of termites in your home, the next step is to talk to a well-qualified termite control service.
Pest control skills will confirm that you have followed all the correct steps to stop an infestation.
They will then proceed to the next level to eliminate other possible issues. Contact professionals today to find out how you can begin using the services of our Boston termite control experts.
