Termites are nasty little bugs that can ruin the wooden areas of your home. When termites chew through the wood they leave long grooves behind, which weaken structures and lead to costly repairs in the future. There are some simple ways to prevent termite damage that any homeowner can put in place to prevent spending money on termite damage.
1. Fix Drainage Areas
Excess moisture around the foundation of your house can attract termites looking for a water source. You can check your property yourself or have a termite inspection Wichita done. A thorough inspection will notice clogged gutters, dripping spouts or downspouts that aren’t directed away from the house. When these areas are repaired, it can help divert water.
2. Trim Trees and Bushes
Overgrown greenery can allow an easy entrance for pests. It can also provide shelter and moisture buildup, which then leads to bug problems. Trim the trees and bushes so there is no contact between the house and your landscaping.
3. Stack Firewood Away From Your House
Termites love wood. Keeping firewood and branches stacked away from your house and elevated can minimize the risk of termites in your structure.
4. Reduce Mulch Usage
While mulch enhances the appearance of your garden beds, it should be kept away from the edges of your house to eliminate termite activity. Instead of wood mulch, you can consider using landscape gravel or pine needles because termites aren’t as attracted to those materials.
5. Ventilate Crawl Spaces
Moisture can build up quickly in crawl spaces and basements without proper ventilation. Reduce the humidity in these areas with a high-quality vapor barrier and the correct amount of vents.
Keeping your home free from termites is crucial when it comes to preventing high-cost repairs and issues if you want to sell your home.