7 Tips to Prevent Termites this Summer

Summer is officially here! You may be enjoying time at the pool and beach, but don't forget to take the necessary steps to keep your home termite-free while you're gone. At Pestech of Greenville, our goal is to help you prevent termite damage and provide integrated pest management with guaranteed results. 

We are proud to provide termite service agreements that are available following the standards provided by North Carolina law. Our experienced technicians know what to look for and can quickly assess your home for termites and/or potential damage. We can also provide you with the information you need to know to ensure a termite-free environment. We recommend that you schedule regular inspections with Pestech of Greenville. In between your inspections, here are seven ways to prevent termites:

1. Inspect foundation and monitor home damage ​

​It's essential to inspect your foundation regularly. Even if your home’s foundation is concrete or brick, termites can still make their way in and cause damage elsewhere, like nearby wood sources. This is why it’s so important to make sure you're monitoring any possible home damage. This includes basement windows near the ground, crawlspaces, and wooden porches. 
Keep in mind that termites are a preventable problem. This means homeowner's insurance doesn't cover them, so you cannot file a claim for the cost of any damage caused by termites in your home. 

2. Eliminate or reduce moisture ​

​Termites thrive in moist soil, especially around your foundation. Drainpipes and gutters are the first places to look for termites, so check for any clogs. Eliminate any standing water near your home, including children's toys, dog bowls, planters, and lawn equipment.

3. Repair leaks

Termites prefer dark, moist areas underneath wood materials, so it's likely you'll never see them. A water leak in or under your house that can keep the wood wet will become a breeding ground for termites. They're particularly interested in moist wood because it's easier for them to chew. The moisture in the wood is also their primary source of water. If you notice a leak, be sure to fix it immediately. This includes faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units. 

4. Fix home damage

Just like it's important to fix any leaks immediately, you also need to regularly check for damage in and around your home. Replace rotted roof shingles, weather stripping, and loose mortar. Seal gaps around water and gas lines to eliminate termite entry. When needed, replace areas of wood like windows, doorframes, skirting boards, and deck furniture.

5. Divert water away from the house

Since termites need moisture to thrive, direct any water away from your home. You can do this by turning the downspouts away from the house. You can also use downspout extensions to distribute rainwater and prevent soil erosion. In addition, ensure that your air conditioning drain lines flow away from the home and that all pipes extend at least two feet from the foundation. Keep sprinkler heads and irrigation systems facing away from your house to minimize water puddling. If your home has poor drainage, you may need to have new tiles or drains installed.

6. Create a gap between soil and wood

It's important to eliminate any soil-to-wood contact around your house and create a barrier between the soil and your home. If possible, only the concrete foundation should touch the soil. Having lots of vegetation around your home can hinder moisture evaporation from walls and soil next to the building. Keep any shrubs, trees, or flowers trimmed back. Since the regular watering of plants causes the soil to remain wet, be sure to plant greenery and flowers several feet away from your home when possible.

7. Store firewood far from the home

​Stacking firewood next to your garage, home, or deck invites termites to move in. To prevent this from happening, keep your firewood several feet away from your home and make sure it's elevated on metal or concrete racks. Stacking it will keep moisture from getting locked in when it rains. The farther away you can keep it from any structure, the better. Make sure any firewood you're using is seasoned or dried. We recommend that you only bring firewood inside when you're ready to burn it. 

PESTECH ON LOCATION: Termite tunnel present during a home inspection

PESTECH ON LOCATION: Close-up of termites

PESTECH ON LOCATION: Termite tunnel found during a home inspection

PESTECH ON LOCATION: Termite damage in wood

As you take the steps to prevent termites, it's also important to be able to identify if you have termites and/or termite damage in your home. Take note if you notice these warning signs on your property:

• small pin-like holes
• uneven or bubbling paint
• wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• mud tubes 
• discarded wings 

​At Pestech of Greenville, we utilize liquid termiticide. Our treatments can be injected into your home's foundation, timber, or soil to kill off existing termites and prevent future ones. It's safe for your home and your family so you can focus on getting back to the beach and leave the worry behind. In addition, we recommend routine inspections so we can ensure your home, property, and foundation are without termites.

Trust Pestech of Greenville, Inc. for all of your pest management needs. Give us a call at 252-353-4760 or email PestechOfGreenville@hotmail.com. Your East Coast pest management professionals are honored to serve you.