How To Make Your Property Inhospitable For Subterranean Termites

If you live in an area of the country where subterranean termites are a threat to the wooden structures of your home, then you will be pleased to know that there are some things you can do to keep them from invading and damaging your home.

Following this strategy will help you prevent a termite colony from eating its way through your house:

Keep Your Property Free of Cellulose-Containing Items

Subterranean termites require cellulose fibers as their food source. By depriving them of their food of choice, termites cannot live on your property or damage your home. By keeping wood siding, lumber, and your firewood pile off of the ground, you will prevent the termites from coming up through the soil and feasting on their respective wood fibers.

Additionally, you should not use wood mulch in landscaping that is located in areas known for problems with subterranean termites. Sealing and painting any exposed wood around your home will also help prevent the termites from being attracted to the cellulose fibers as a potential food source.

Keep Your Property Free of Excess Moisture and Standing Water

In addition to eating cellulose fibers, subterranean termites require water to set up a colony. By eliminating any areas of continual moisture or standing water on your property, you can take away the water source from the termites. Often drainage issues can be easily rectified by rerouting storm waters, and overgrown landscaping can be trimmed back to allow the sunshine to thoroughly dry the soil on each sunny day.

You should also create an open-space barrier around the base of your home’s foundation. Keep all of your landscaping trimmed away from the foundation to allow the sun to penetrate the area and keep it as dry as possible. 

If the faucet outside of your home drips water, you should take the time to fix it. Any leaking or continual water provides subterranean termites a source of drinking water and is attractive to them.

Seek Professional Assistance

By eliminating their sources of food and water, you can create an inhospitable environment on your property for subterranean termites. However, if you notice any of the tell-tale signs of a termite colony, such as:

• Crumbling drywall
• Visible holes in exterior wood surfaces
• Shed brown insect wings on the ground
• Termite shelter tubes
• Sagging floors or wood decks

Then you need to contact a local pest control professional, such as Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control, to inspect and treat your home for subterranean termites.