The average cost to repair termite damage is $3,000. You read that right!
That should be enough to send a chill down your spine and do what you can to prevent termite infestations in the first place.
When you do spot one in your home, don’t freak out.
Termite are highly dexterous and laborious insects and require a well-planned strategy to terminate.
Termites feed on cellulose, which is the primary component of plants. In fact, cellulose is the most abundant organic compound in the world. This means termites will chew through everything and anything, including but not limited to, all types of wooden structures, money, clothes, furniture, flooring etc.
Yes, that does sound scary. These tiny guys can do some serious harm. However, with proactive approach, you will not just be able to minimize damage but eliminate them from your home.
Remove All Access Routes
· The most common entry points for termites are gaps around gas and water pipelines. Seal them all.
· Moreover, any spot where wooden objects come into contact with the ground also serve as easy access points. Avoid leaving out wooden furniture in the yard or lawn and consider treating all wooden items with anti-termite coatings.
Cut Down Food Sources
No, that doesn’t necessarily mean you make the switch to metal beds or iron chairs. Here’s what to do:
· Get rid of all unnecessary wooden items in the crawlspace and basement. Also consider replace landscaping mulch with cellulose-free alternatives.
· Ensure all wooden sidings are a minimum six inches above the ground.
Reduce Moisture
· Ventilate basement appropriately if it has high moisture levels.
· Fix all leaks that may be pooling in around the foundation of your home.
· Fix all plumbing issues.
Lay Down Termite Barriers For Wooden Flooring
One of the easiest sources of food for termites are, of course, wooden floors.
· If you already have wooden floors, consider conducting routine inspection.
· Look for signs of even grinding around edges and corners. Also check for sawdust.
· If you are laying down the floor in a new home, ensure that a termite barrier is used.
Discuss with your pest control service and ask for more termite damage prevention tips. For termite inspections in Columbus, Ohio, get in touch with Xterminator. The company has years of experience and is recognized for its pest control in Lancaster and Columbus.
