Prevent termites from destroying your property with these tips.

Just the idea of getting termites will often send shivers down a homeowner’s back, and for good reason. Although it typically takes a long time for termites to create an extremely hazardous situation by destroying a considerable amount of wood and weakening a structure, even a small infestation can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage and a whole lot of inconvenience.

The good news is that a professional termite treatment and prevention will rid your home of these wood-devouring insects in a very short period of time. Today, we’re going to discuss how to prevent termites, what clues are a typical indication of an infestation, and where to search for these destructive insects.

Clues of a Potential or Existing Infestation

First, it’s important that you learn the most common clues for a potential or existing termite infestation. You may notice all of these or perhaps only one:

• Damaged Wood — The most obvious sign of a termite infestation is often the sound of hollow wood. Give various spots a knock and see what you can hear.
• Wood Shavings — Like human beings at a buffet, termites can be a bit messy at times. You may find wood shavings on the ground or in other areas.
• Damaged Insulation — Termites don’t eat insulation, but damaged insulation could mean that they’re present. That’s because they use the insulation to travel between areas made of wood.
• Mud Tubes — These are usually constructed to serve as a path back and forth to a water source. Mud tubes are another obvious sign of a termite infestation, and they’re typically easy to spot.
• Discarded Wings — As termites age, they shed their wings. It isn’t uncommon for a homeowner to come across piles of discarded wings as an indication that there’s a problem.

How to Prevent Termites on Your Property

Next, you must learn how to prevent termites from invading and damaging your property. Doing these things will help maintain proper termite control:

• Remove Dead Wood — Any deadwood on your property, such as tree stumps or entire trees, serves as a magnet to termites. Clear it out before they use it as a stop-gap to your home. When you do, make sure you don’t leave any branches or pieces behind.
• Seal Holes and Gaps — Like other insects, termites will often get inside your home through small holes and gaps that have developed in its structure, including the edges of doors and windows. Look around and seal any problem areas.
• Use Mulch Alternative — Mulch is a popular substance to use for landscaping decoration, but it serves as a termite attractant. Instead of mulch, consider using pine needles (less attractive to them) or pea gravel (non-organic).
• Reduce Moisture — Termites are attracted to sources of water in the same way that other insects are. Anything you can do to reduce moisture, such as installing water structures away from the home and removing standing water after it rains, will help.
• Order Yearly Inspection — Even when you’re diligent in watching for these wood-eating critters, some termites may slip through. This is why it’s important to schedule a yearly inspection by a professional pest control company.

Where to Search for a Termite Infestation

Most people seem to think of a termite infestation is something that’s limited to the inside of a home’s walls, perhaps its roof, and maybe even parts of the exterior. Yes, these spots are very common, but termites will also feast on the wood found in these locations and items:

• Tresses
• Framing
• Trim
• Deck
• Shed exterior
• Fence
• Furniture

McDonald Pest Control Knows How to Prevent Termites

With a little know-how and professional intervention, termite treatment and prevention is an easy prospect for homeowners and business owners. If you’d like to learn more about how McDonald Pest Control in Clearwater can eliminate termites, cockroaches, ants, bees, wasps, rats, mice, spiders, or any other pests, call (727) 308-2543 to schedule a no-cost consultation.