Termites are a problem in most homes, but they can also be a pain to deal with. The worst part is that they’re attracted to wood, which makes it easier for them to do their thing. For example, if you have an old wall and some peeling paint, it’ll attract termites because of all the nooks and crannies where they can hide out. Luckily there are ways to prevent infestations and stop them from getting worse by fixing any damage as soon as possible so that termite treatment is more accessible than you might think.
Wood-To-Soil Contact
Wood-to-soil contact is a common cause of termite infestations. The wood must be treated with pesticides before it can be used to help prevent this interaction, but the most effective way to do so is by using pressure-treated lumber. Pesticides are applied during the manufacturing process, so there’s no need to worry about them harming you or your family members when you’re working with these materials—and they’ll last much longer than other termite treatment methods (like poison baits).
Water Damage
- Water damage can lead to termite infestations. Termites are attracted to moisture and tend to invade places with a lot of it. For example, if you have water damage in your walls or flooring, termites could come through that space and become trapped inside the house.
- There are several ways that you can protect yourself against termite infestation:
- Ensure that licensed professionals do all plumbing work so they do not cause any problems with their installation process (including new pipes).
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes commonly cause wood damage, especially in older homes. Termites can build nests in the wood and leave behind a tell-tale sign: dark spots where they’ve been feeding. Leaky pipes also cause mould and mildew on your furniture and other wooden surfaces, which can be very difficult to remove once spread throughout the house.
Foundation Cracks
If you have cracks in your foundation, they can be an entryway for termites. Cracks should be sealed with a concrete-based sealer or caulk compatible with the wood used in the structure. If you can’t afford to fix the cracks, consider putting a steel wool barrier between each gap and surrounding it with cement or grout.
Fix It, Don’t Just Cover it Up
If you’re afraid of termites in your home, it can be tempting to create a barrier around an area of damage. But this is often ineffective and does not provide long-term protection against termites. Instead, fix the problem by removing damaged or infested wood and replacing it with fresh material. It is advisable to contact termite treatment experts when general techniques do not work out.
Termites can also cause various health issues; hence, this is not something you would want to ignore for a long time.
Stucco and Brick Finishing Can Hide Gaps
Termites love to make their homes inside walls, so it’s no surprise that stucco and brick are great for outside your house but not so much for the inside. Using stucco or brick on interior walls, termites can get through those spaces between sheets. Cover all openings with sealant or caulk before applying the stucco or brick to prevent this from happening.
Even though termites are not aggressive insects, they can still cause extensive damage if left unchecked. These tips will help prevent them from getting into your home in the first place and deal with any existing infestation when they get inside.