Termites love to sneak into your home and grab a quick snack. Unfortunately, the snack they love to grab is the wood in your home. Because they hide inside the walls, they can do an incredible amount of damage before you even realize you have a problem. Luckily, there are some simple ways to make your home less appealing to these insects. Here are three methods to keep termites away. 

1. Don't Use Your Crawlspace as Storage

If you have a crawlspace under your home, you may be tempted to use it as extra storage space. Unfortunately, that can attract termites, especially if you're going to be storing cardboard boxes under there. Termites love to dine on any type of wood, and cardboard boxes are made from wood fibers.

You can reduce the chances of attracting termites by keeping cardboard boxes out of your crawlspace. If you must use your crawlspace for extra storage, use heavy-duty plastic storage containers instead. Not only will the plastic storage containers keep termites away, they will also protect your belongings from moisture damage.

2. Keep Wood away from Your Home

If you have a fireplace, you probably have firewood stored somewhere in your yard. If that storage space is located right up against your home, you're creating the perfect hiding place for termites—as well as for other pests, including rodents, spiders and snakes. Protect your home by storing your firewood at least 20 feet away from it.

If you have trees or bushes growing near your home, it's a good idea to keep them trimmed. This is particularly true if you have foliage brushing against your home. Termites could be using the foliage to gain access to your home.

3. Channel Water away from the Foundation

In addition to wood, termites also need moisture to survive. If you have rain gutters installed on your home, you need to ensure that the downspout is draining water away from the foundation. You can prevent moisture from building up around the foundation by extending your downspouts at least six feet away from your home. It's also a good idea to slope the soil to allow water to continue flowing downhill.

If you own your home, you want to protect it from damage—including damage caused by pests such as termites. Follow the tips provided here to help you keep termites away. In addition to these simple tips, you should also have your home inspected for termites at least once a year. Get in contact with a company like E & R Exterminating Company, Inc. to schedule an appointment.

Share