A Beginner’s Guide to Termite Prevention Methods

No one wants termites in their home. But over half a million homes across the country (and in particular California) are affected by this scourge every year. Americans spend an estimated $5 billion each year to control termites and repair the damage they cause. As a homeowner, you take various steps to protect your home and your family. That includes security systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms and more. You do your best to look after the structure by cleaning, painting, polishing, DIY repairs and calling in professionals when there is work to be done that you cannot do yourself – things like replacing windows, electrical and plumbing repairs and so on. But how much consideration have you given to the problem of termites?

Are You Safe?

Perhaps you have not noticed any signs of a termite infestation. By the way, despite what the internet tells you, spotting an infestation is not easy and overlooking the signs will result in the problem escalating. Maybe you regularly spray your home with insect and pest repellent or even try DIY termite control methods and think that is enough. These are okay, but only to an extent. Termites are tough and hardy insects that over millions of years have learned to adapt and protect themselves against both natural dangers and man-made ones. The unpalatable truth is that the only way to keep your home safe from these pests is by using a professional termite control company that will know how to detect an infestation, get rid of the insects and then apply one of the many termite prevention methods to keep your home safe in the future.

Also Read: DIY Termite Control Products Can Be Dangerous

Termite Prevention

When you call in professionals and they find an infestation and then get rid of the termites, the job is still not complete. To be sure your home is protected, future infestations have to be prevented. Various termite prevention methods can be used and only the experts will know what is right for your home. There are different varieties of termites and they get into a building in different ways and then work their way through the structure using different methods. Having a basic understanding of the various methods that may be used to prevent termites’ entry will allow you to better understand what the termite control company is advising and will enable you to ask the right questions so that you are comfortable with the proposed course of action.

The Methods

• Chemicals: This involves applying chemicals called termiticides to create a barrier that will prevent the termites from entering the building. An expert will know which type of termiticide should be used.
• Bait Systems: This method involves placing bait stations (boxes) in and around the perimeter of the building. The stations contain termiticide-treated cellulose that attracts the termites. The termites do not die immediately but return to the colony and infect the other insects there. With time, all the termites die.
• Wood Treatment: Treating wood to make it unattractive to termites is effective. This is done in 2 ways. The wood can be either pressure treated to infuse the chemicals into it or the wood can be coated with termite repellent.
• Eco-Friendly Options: There are also effective, natural and eco-friendly termite prevention options available. These are used when other options are not viable or if the homeowners do not want chemicals in or near the house.

If you want to keep your home termite-free, contact a professional termite control company that will check for infestation, get rid of any termites that may be present and then use termite prevention methods to keep your home safe.