Termite Prevention Tips

U.S. homeowners pay out billions each year to repair termite damage. Some species of termites can destroy a home almost before the paint dries. If termites want to eat your home, there isn't a lot you can do about it. But that doesn't mean you should make their job easy. Here are some helpful termite prevention tips.

Termites are looking for the ideal environment for a new colony. Subterranean termites, the most destructive termites, will choose an area of soil closest to a food source.

• If you have mulch on your perimeter, see that it is at least 2 feet from your basement walls, and check it routinely for termites.
• If you store firewood, keep it at least 20 feet from your exterior walls and 4 feet off the ground. Deadwood is a prime source of food for termites, and subterranean termites searching for a new home will often choose soil near a woodpile
• If you have bushes around your home, see that they are at least a foot away from your exterior walls. This will prevent the conditions that would make your perimeter soil dank and moist.
• Make sure to pick up sticks and leaves in your yard. Organic clutter will make termites feel right at home.
• Make sure you don't have dead stumps or trees within 10 feet of your exterior walls. These are prime termite food sources.

If you're looking to keep your home from being eaten by termites, it's important to recognize the signs of a termite infestation. These tips will help you make your home resistant to termites, but to fully protect your home, get the help of professional termite exterminators.