How do you know if termites are present in your home? Signs of termite activity include mud tubes and discarded wings from swarming mature termites, most often occurring in the spring. If you tap on wood and it sounds hollow, or push it and it caves in, you might have a problem. Many infestations have been discovered by accidentally bumping into baseboards with a dry cleaner attachment or broom.
When it comes to termites, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take a few simple steps to make your home less welcoming to termites:
- Eliminate moisture problems around your home that make the soil around it attractive
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and air conditioning units
- Maintain good drainage around the foundation – make sure there is no standing water
- Clean gutters and down-spouts
- Avoid excess mulch or ground cover near the foundation
- Seal entry points around water and utility pipes or lines
- Keep firewood, lumber, or paper away from foundation or crawl space
- Get rid of stumps and debris near house
- Inspect decks and wooden fences regularly for damage
- Prevent the wood on your home from contacting the soil
Homeowners are wise to continuously monitor and maintain their property to prevent termite damage. It’s smart to schedule a regular inspection by a termite expert who can identify trouble spots as well as signs of activity.
By: National Pest Management Association