Termites Risk Factors and Prevention Tips

Termites caused an estimated five billion dollars in property damage each year. They can become a big issue for your home. They can increase in population and live in colonies without getting noticed. Risk factors of termites attacking properties, specifically in Melbourne is one in four for over 25 years or it means once in a hundred years. Most buildings get attacked once in a lifetime, and some are going to take more than others.

So, what commonly puts your home at a higher risk of termite invasion? Dampness or moisture, cracks, short crawl spaces, and more.

Here is the list of the things you need to know if you want to lower your chances of enduring through a serious termite infestation.

Termite Risk Factors

Moisture or water near your house’s base. Water near your home attracts termites. Such things as your sprinkler or your gutters could be inflicting your wooden siding to get moist or wet. Also, if your home doesn’t have gutters to keep water from falling next to your house—your siding could get wet. Lastly, Clogs and obstructions can attract termites. Clogged and overflowing gutters put your house at risk of termites because the ground your house is on gives helter for termites and the timber in your house gives the food. Therefore, water within two feet of the base can cause serious issues.

Timber near to your house’s base. It’s common to find timber around houses such as timber siding, timber framing, timber porch, and timber fence. This attracts termites because they eat timber. timber which is too close to your house’s base becomes a potential food for termites which later on could lead to your house.

Cracks, crevices and holes in your structures base. If there is a space in your home base termites can find their way in and start infesting your house . You need to make sure that these cracks are sealed to avoid termites infestation.

Short crawl spaces. Short crawl space can lead to a big problem in your home because these spaces are not easy to inspect thoroughly. Therefore, if you can’t inspect regularly, have a pest control company inspect your home on a regular basis.

Termite Prevention Tips

Without question , termites are very destructive and can cost you a lot of money in unexpected home repairs. They can be difficult to get rid of so preventing an infestation is the best course of action. By following a few outdoor sanitation tips you can help keep them away from your structure.

• Remove any moisture around your property. Remember that most termites need timber and moisture to survive so removing any moisture around your property is very important.
• Fix any leaky pipes and eliminate any standing water near your structure such as faucets pipes and air conditioning units.
• Fix or replace any damaged weather stripping around windows and doors.
• Repair any parts of the roof that might be holding moisture.
• Termites are located in most backyards, nesting in gum trees, tree stumps, retaining walls or any embedded timber. Pick up any timber debris in your backyards like disposed lumber fallen branches or sticks or firewood. If you have a tree stump in the backyard, remove it. Don’t leave firewood near your home, as it is a magnet for termites. If you do, keep it raised off the ground and protected from water if possible.
• Seal all cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes.
• Repair or replace your timber fence if it’s taken on too much moisture.
• Trim all shrubs, bushes and other dense greenery away so that they do not touch your structure.
• Keep gutters and downspouts free of accumulated leaves and debris.

In the event that these tips don’t help with your termite infestation, call a professional exterminator.