Termite Prevention Tips

Termites can cause significant damage and result in costly repair bills. Find out how you can prevent termite activity in and around your home.

Fight Against Termite Infestation With These Prevention Tips

U.S. homeowners pay out billions each year to repair termite damage. Some species of termites can destroy a home almost before the paint dries. If termites want to eat your home, there isn't a lot you can do about it. But that doesn't mean you should make their job easy. Here are some helpful termite prevention tips.

Eliminate Water Damage That Attracts Termites

Many conditions make your home attractive to termites. Water damage is one of them. Here are some ways your home can get damaged by water.

• Clogged or damaged gutters. When gutters get damaged or clogged,  water will run down and soak your exterior walls, leading to water damage.
• Improper seals around windows. Improper installation of windows can allow water to get into your wall voids and create rot.
• Damaged weather stripping. Bad weather stripping on sliding doors can lead to water damage and rotting wood.
• Leaky deck roof. If you have an area of roof that acts like a gutter by channeling rainwater away from your exterior walls, it needs to be properly maintained or it will help create the conditions termites are looking for.
• Leaking exterior spigots. Not only will a leaking spigot cost you money, but it also has the potential to moisten wood.
• Water collecting near basement walls. It is never a good idea to have water against your exterior walls.
• Air conditioner condensation. It doesn't take much water to cause fungus spores to stick. If the condensation from your air conditioner turns into an occasional drip that runs down your exterior wall, it can lead to trouble.
• Wood in contact with the ground. If your home has areas where wood touches the soil, moisture will draw up into the wood. These areas also provide quick access for termites to get into your home.