How to Prevent Termites from Returning to Your Home
Unfortunately, pest and termite control is not a one-and-done operation. Termites are incredibly tenacious creatures, and they can come back months after the initial treatment if they find that your property is hospitable for termite growth again. For this reason, it's crucial to have an ongoing termite control plan in place to ensure they do not return.
In Which Conditions Do Termites Thrive?
To effectively eliminate termites, you will need to ensure that your property is inhospitable to them. Termites thrive in areas with plenty of food, moisture, and shelter. They are attracted to warm and humid climates and feed on wood, paper, and other cellulose materials.
They also need access to water and soil to survive. Areas with high humidity, poor drainage, and plenty of wood debris are desirable to termites. Additionally, they prefer dark and undisturbed locations, making attics and crawl spaces ideal places to nest.
Follow these five steps to make your home an inhospitable place for termites:
1. Reduce moisture in and around your home. Repair any leaky pipes or faucets, clear gutters, and downspouts, and ensure that the soil around your foundation is graded away from the house to reduce moisture buildup.
2. Remove any wood debris or cellulose materials from your yard. This includes wood chips, mulch, sawdust, firewood, and other wood-based materials.
3. Seal any cracks or crevices in your foundation and walls.
4. Eliminate any sources of standing water on your property.
5. Use treated wood for decking, fencing, or landscaping projects.
How Do You Stop Termites From Returning?
The best post-treatment pest and termite control activity is regular inspections. By inspecting your property for signs of termite activity, you can quickly identify any potential issues to prevent a new infestation.
Make sure to check your foundation, walls, and floors for any signs of termite damage. Additionally, keep an eye out for mud tubes and wood damaged by termites.
Professional treatments are the most effective way to prevent termites from returning. A professional exterminator will inspect your property for signs of termites and then apply an appropriate pesticide to target the infestation.
Additionally, they will be able to advise on how to make your property less attractive to termites and how to prevent them from returning. They may also be able to recommend preventative measures, such as reducing moisture and removing wood debris from around the home.
How Do I Choose a Good Pest and Termite Control Contractor?
When choosing a pest and termite control contractor, it is crucial to ensure they are knowledgeable, experienced, and trustworthy. First, ensure that the contractor is licensed and certified for the type of pest control services you need. You should also research their reputation and read customer reviews.
It is also important to discuss your expectations and the scope of work with the contractor and to ask for a written contract that includes a detailed description of the services they are offering, the cost, and any warranties they may provide. Finally, ensure the contractor's methods are safe and environmentally friendly, as some chemicals can be hazardous if not used properly.
A pest and termite control inspector will check all accessible areas of the home for any signs of termites and any damage they may have caused. The inspector will also look for areas around the home that could be attractive to termites, such as standing water on the roof, water pooling near the foundation, wood mulch close to the foundation, and wooden deck supports that come into contact with the ground.
Conclusion
Post-treatment termite control is an essential part of preventing future infestations. This involves regularly inspecting the interior and exterior of the home to ensure no new termites have entered the area. To keep your home safe from termites, it is crucial to take preventive measures such as reducing sources of moisture, repairing any damaged wood, and working with a professional pest and termite control company.
D-Day Pest Control has over ten years of experience as a pest and termite control company in Geelong. We use the latest pest management solutions and pest control techniques to get rid of pests in your home. Contact us today to request a quote.