The old adage about prevention being better than cure is so true when it comes to termite infestation in a home. An expert termite control service will be able to get rid of any termites that may be found, but if you try to do it yourself, by the time you spot the existence of an infestation, unthinkable damage may already have been done. This could mean extensive termite damage repair after the termites have been removed. Termite prevention is a far better option. It will keep the insects away from your home and belongings and prevent damage from occurring, so the question of termite damage repair will not arise.

DIY Methods Do Not Work

The internet is full of DIY termite control and prevention tips. These rarely, if ever, are completely effective and after trying them a homeowner may be lulled into a false sense of security and may not notice when the termites come back and start doing their damage. A professional termite control company will not only be able to catch a termite infestation early, it will have the expertise to identify the type of termites and use the appropriate fumigation termite control or non-fumigation termite control methods. They will also provide the kind of preventive treatments that will keep your home protected in the future.

Basic Termite Prevention

The termite control company will inspect your home to identify the problem areas where termites could gain access. This is not easy and requires expert knowledge and experience. Listed below are some key aspects the termite control company will address:

• Sealing the gaps around gas and water lines entry to block termite entry points.
• Finding wood-to-ground contact places which are access points for termites.
• Removing cellulose matter that attracts termites.
• Checking if the mulch used in the yards is attracting termites and if so, replacing it with a mixture that does not attract them.
• Ensuring that wooden siding is sufficiently clear of the ground.
• Locating and fixing moisture problems around the foundation, the roof, or in the basement and crawlspaces.
• Identifying leaking plumbing.
• Other site-specific issues.

Once all the potential problems have been resolved, localized treatments and chemical barriers will be used to prevent future termite entry into the house.

Termites aren’t like other pests. You can place screens on your doors and windows to keep flies out, you can plug holes in the walls and floors to keep out rats, but there is nothing a homeowner can do to keep termites out. The DIY methods available online never work and only lull homeowners into a false sense of security while the termite damage continues unseen. The only way to keep your home safe from termite infestations is to call in a professional termite control company to do a termite inspection. After that, any termites found will be removed and termite prevention treatment will be done to keep your family and your home safe in the future.