subject: Termite Control Tips You Can Do Yourself [print this page] The key to termite control is preventionThe key to termite control is prevention. If you can keep them out of your house in the first place, you can save money by not having to call termite control specialists to have the critters destroyed. Although you can't take care of all of your termite control needs by yourself, there are some things you can do to keep them away.
They Like It Moist
One way to keep termites out of your home is to avoid creating the conditions that they love. They live in wood and soil, especially in parts of the house that are underground. Although they can infest dry wood, what they love best is a soggy, moist environment. They often have their nests within easy reach of a good water supply. For this reason, you can manage your own pest extermination by keeping moisture levels down, especially in the basement of the house. Make sure there's enough ventilation and use a dehumidifier if you need to.
They Like It Warm
They also tend to like a warm environment. Lots of people find that their activity drops in the winter when the weather is cold. If you can control the temperature of your basement and keep it from providing a nice warm home for them, this can help keep them from making nests. It also helps you to know that they're more abundant in the summer, and this can help you plan your pest busting strategy for the warmer seasons.
Check Your Foundation
Another thing to watch for is any wood to ground contact in your foundation. If you've got wood that is sitting right on the soil, you're inviting termites to crawl right in and make themselves at home. If you're building, try using sheet metal barriers to keep them from climbing into the wood. Wood directly on the soil is going to build up moisture naturally and provide a great place for them to live and eat.
Move Your Garden
If you have a garden right next to the house, this is also going to invite them into your home. Gardens are great breeding grounds for termites. They love the warmth and continual moisture. If the garden is right next to your house, it makes it that much easier for them to hop over and start feeding on your home's foundations.
Don't Mulch
Wood mulch is a great material for yards, but it is also an open invite to termites. One way to do your own termite control and prevention is to use an alternative material to wood mulch. Some examples would be straw, hay or rocks. These materials are much better for keeping your home safe from termites. To them, your wood mulch is a wonderful food supply because it traps moisture.
Once you've got an infestation, there's nothing left to do but call the termite control specialists. Hiring an exterminator costs money, but it may save your house in the long run. It's the only way to get rid of termites once you've got them. Once they're gone and the situation is under control, follow the above tips to keep them out for good.
