Termite Prevention | Protect Your Home From Termites

ELIMINATE WOOD TO SOIL CONTACT

Most wood is termite food and they are in constant search of new supply to sustain a colony. And when wooden parts of a building are in direct contact with soil, it can be more easily detected by termites as a food source. Wood siding, door frames, planter boxes, and any type of wood trim should be at least six inches from any dirt surface.

While this isn't a guarantee that termites won't find the wood on your home, at the least it doesn't create such an obvious invitation. Also, if there are any signs of termites such as mud tubes going up the side of the building, they will be more visible. With the wood touching the soil, the evidence may be hidden.

When inspecting your home for areas of wood to soil contact, be mindful that there can also be contact in not so obvious areas. Patio awnings, covered porches, and steps are often supported by wood beams placed on concrete. However, these beams often extend all the way through the concrete into the ground creating a perfect hidden avenue for termites to gain easy access into the structure.

KEEP MOISTURE AWAY FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOME

The subterranean termite, the species we deal most with here in Carlsbad New Mexico, basically needs two things to survive. Food and moisture. And having a water source right where the food source (your home) is makes for ideal conditions for a termite infestation.

Water should be diverted away from the home or structure. As well, creating intentional wet areas such as lawn turf, planting beds, or water features next to the foundation should be avoided. Lawn turf areas and planting beds are one of the most common overlooked moisture sources we encounter.

To begin, a gradual slope should be created away from the foundation to divert any water. Keep in mind that, if soil is added to create elevation, you need to avoid wood to soil contact. As well, any soil that is brought in should be treated.

Turf areas, planting beds, and other wet areas should have at least an eighteen inch buffer between them and the foundation. Sprinkler and irrigation systems should be designed or altered with this in mind. Landscaping in the form of ground cover such as bark mulch should be kept to a minimum and treated with termiticide regularly. Gravel should be treated the same.

It's hard to justify adding a gutter system to your home here in Southeast New Mexico where we get very little rain. However, gutters, downspouts, and properly placed splash blocks will give added protection. At the least, consider adding gutters to the areas that get the most drainage and puddling.

All other moisture sources such as leaking faucets, air conditioners, A/C unit condenser lines and anything else should all be repaired, diverted or whatever it takes.

MINIMIZE MOISTURE IN CRAWL SPACES

Of course, this applies to homes that actually have crawl spaces. And while it might not seem so, even in our arid climate of Southeast New Mexico, the crawl spaces of some homes can have lot of humidity and moisture and enough to sustain termite activity.

Most building codes require that buildings with crawlspaces have a certain amount of vent space per certain square feet. However, over time, building codes change and older homes may not have the same specifications as newer homes and may not have sufficient venting and air flow to keep the moisture in the crawl space minimal.

Air vents under the home should be periodically inspected for debris or vegetation obstructing them. As well, it may be necessary to add some venting if none exists.

While we don't see it a lot, we have seen instances where home owners have intentionally caused moisture under their homes by diverting dryer vents and A/C condenser lines under the home. While this may be convenient and out of the way, it is a sure way to keep the moisture high under your home and in turn create perfect living conditions for termites.

NEVER STORE FIREWOOD OR ANY TYPE OF WOOD NEAR THE HOME

Of course, it's most convenient to store firewood right outside the door closest to the fireplace. Nobody wants to walk through freezing cold or snow to get a log or two to burn. However, storing your firewood next to your home is an invitation for termites. And we see this one all the time.

While firewood laying in contact with the ground can be an invitation for termites, they and other wood destroying insects can already be present in the wood. And if you stack it directly next to your home, you can easily create your own termite infestation.

The best thing you can do is create a designated area away from the home where you can store firewood and other wood and keep it isolated. Keep the area teated but never treat the firewood itself. The burning insecticide can cause fumes that are harmful.

GET A PERIODIC PROFESSIONAL TERMITE INSPECTION

It's a good idea to know what termites look like and to know what the obvious signs of termites are so you can do a periodic self inspection of your home. However, you may still want to get an inspection done by a professional as well. The question of do you actually need a termite inspection or treatment can only be answered by you and how confident you are with your own inspecting skills.

If you do live in Carlsbad, Artesia, or anywhere in Eddy County New Mexico and would like a second opinion, a full termite inspection, or even a treatment, Horizon Pest Control is here to help. Evaluation and treatment estimates are free. And termite inspections are cheap compared to the damage these wood destroying insects cause. Give us a call today at 575-725-9331 for our services or advice.