Top 5 Ways to Prevent Termites From Taking Over Your Home

According to the NPMA, termites cause more than $5 billion in damages annually. This does not cover the cost of treating & removing the actual termites and as countless Southerners know, termites often go unseen until property damage becomes apparent to homeowners. Although the pests have devastating effects on homes and businesses, property owners are often unprepared to spot the warning signs and prevent infestation. Therefore, the question many property owners want an answer to is, “how do you prevent termites?” We at Palmetto Exterminators, are here to help our community with termite protection and provide solutions that will save you time, money, and stress.

1. Divert Water Away from Your Property

Moist wood is the preferred home for termites. This is typically the first way these insects invade a home. Diverting still water away from your property will ensure that the wood in your house stays dry and termite free. 

 We recommend that you inspect any downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks on and near your property to check if they are correctly functioning. By doing so yourself or contacting one of our expert exterminators, you can avoid infestations and devastating property damage before it becomes a threat.

2. Quickly Repair Structural Damage Caused by Moisture (and do it fast!) 

As mentioned, termites are attracted to moisture in or near the home. With the warm southern weather and humidity dramatically increasing during the summer months, it’s important to monitor your property for any structural damage that may be a gateway for pests to burrow in. Make sure to repair damage such as roof or plumbing leaks immediately.

3. Perform Routine Property Maintenance

Although property maintenance can be a pesky task, it is far less bothersome than dealing with a catastrophic termite infestation. To prevent termites from taking over your home, maintain your property regularly, even before a leak or other issue occurs. Such maintenance includes caulking, painting, and cleaning out your gutters.

Removing any wood or construction debris from your crawl space, gutters, and within the general vicinity of your home is essential. Debris keeps termites hydrated and will draw other termites to infest in wood above ground and into your home.

4. Reduce Humidity in Your Crawl Spaces

Your crawl space provides a haven for termites, especially as the weather grows more humid and rainy during the summer. The hollow space in crawl spaces offers not only a perfect route for termites to enter your home but can create black mold. The effects of black mold can sometimes be fatal, and keeping your crawl space free of moisture is essential in order to keep your family safe. 

To keep your crawl space free of moisture, install your basement waterproof membranes. This will ensure that little to no water or air can pass through, preventing termites from inhabiting. 

Utilizing a dehumidifier will also further dry out the crawl space. Simply plug in a dehumidifier, leave it in your crawl space for a few hours, and turn it off once the area is thoroughly dry. Your typical electric fan can do the trick if you cannot access a dehumidifier.

To maintain proper drainage of your crawl space, contact your local plumber or contractor to install proper grading so that water flows away from the home, rather than near or below it.

5. Prevent Shrubs, Vines, and Other Vegetation From Growing Over & Covering the Vents & Exterior of Your Home

Although shrubs, vines and local flora are the epitome of southern charm, they can create irreversible damage as they are ideal conditions for termites to thrive in. Vegetation growing over vents and your home’s exterior creates a superhighway for moisture, leading to termites. Other unsavory guests include fungus, rodents, and countless species of insects.

 Tree branches and vegetation clinging near your roof can also wear out your home’s exterior, causing leaks and water damage. There is also little to no air to pass in between vegetation and your home, leading to increased chances of wood rot. 

To prevent termites, keep your vegetation well-trimmed and maintained. It is also smart to monitor any abnormalities like wood rot and leaks nearby your home where vegetation grows.

In almost all cases of termite infestations, homeowners did not detect their presence before it was too late, allowing the pest plenty of time to cause irreversible damage to property. However, keeping up with proper maintenance on your home can keep the problem away.

Although these methods can greatly reduce your chances of getting termites, not all maintenance and preventative measures can be taken quickly. Since the southern climate is so humid, it’s not a matter of if homeowners will get termites but when.

 To save you time, money, and stresses that come with an infestation, Palmetto Exterminators can provide you with a termite protection plan and annual termite inspections. When you select a termite service agreement with Palmetto Exterminators, you will not be responsible for any repair or re-treatment fees.

 Termite treatment and prevention is not something you want to delay. If you are suspecting termites may be in your home or are in need of professional expertise, contact Palmetto Exterminators for a free pest inspection. Our team of professionals is able to serve a plethora of areas in both the Carolinas and Georgia.

 To learn more about termite prevention and protection, contact Palmetto Exterminators, and visit our helpful resources on how to prevent termites below:

• Termite Control FAQs
• Termite Control & Prevention Blogs 
• Termite Protection Plans & Service Agreements

Palmetto Exterminators has over 58 years of experience that can help you identify the termite species and provide the most efficient solutions for termite prevention and infestation. However, it is good practice to utilize these preventative measures to keep your home safe.