Termites are one of the most destructive forces in the United States, costing home and business owners over $5 billion every year. So, what can set you apart from the 600,000 homeowners who incurred a termite infestation last year? Understanding the facts. The more you can learn about termites, the better your chances are of avoiding the costly damage they cause.

Termites

First, you need to start by recognizing the signs of an infestation. The reason so many homeowners suffer damage isn’t because termites destroy wooden structures in a few days. It can take a year or two for termites to cause extensive (and expensive) damage to property.

The first sign of trouble will be a termite swarm. Swarmers are the winged termites that will gather together in a large, buzzing cloud before the recolonization process. If you notice a termite swarm on a hot, humid day after a few days of rain, then there could soon be a new termite colony on your property.

While termites only swarm during the spring, worker termites are constantly at work during the entire year, eating away at the foundation of your home. Here are a few other things to look for to avoid a prolonged infestation:

Mud tubes along the bottom of foundation walls
Tightening around doors and windows
Clicking noises in the walls
Visibly damaged exposed wood

If you notice any of these signs on your property, then a termite infestation is likely. It is important to enlist professional help to fix the situation before it gets worse.

Reducing Termite Attraction On Your Property

If you understand what attracts termites to your property in the first place, you can implement your own preventative measures to decrease your chances of an infestation. The main thing that attracts termites to a property is moisture buildup. When wood has been exposed to moisture damage and rot, termites will be drawn in quickly.

Try the following methods for reducing moisture buildup around your Hudson Valley property:

Monitor your pipes for leaks, even small ones, that can cause wood rot over time.
Install a dehumidifier in your basement and crawlspace to reduce condensation.
Utilize an effective gutter and downspout system to expel rain runoff away from the sides of the house.
Maintain the lawn regularly to allow even moisture distribution and limit clutter (like leaves and sticks) that can attract a termite infestation.

Along with moisture management tactics, you’ll also want to limit termite access to your home. By storing firewood away from the house and off the ground, you’ll take away an easy opportunity for termites to nest close to the foundation of your home. Plus, you can prohibit them from crawling into your home’s foundation as they explore by utilizing a buffer. Typically, 12 to 18” of pine straw, gravel, or rubber mulch around the outside of the house can limit your chances of incurring a termite infestation.

Even though these methods can lower your risk of incurring an infestation, you never know when it comes to mother nature. That’s why the best termite solutions are the ones that come with a professional guarantee. Call Pestmaster® Services to protect your home and property with the best termite treatments in the area.