What Can You Use to Prevent Termites?
Termites can be a serious problem and it is important to know what you can do to prevent them. Keeping your home free of these creatures is the first step to preventing an infestation.
Termites feed on cellulose, a substance in the cell walls of plants. They like warm and dark places. If you want to keep your house free of termites, you need to cut off the food sources that they prefer.
Termites can enter your home through cracks in the foundation. You can seal these cracks with a concrete sealer or epoxy sealer. They can also enter through holes around pipes, wiring, and vents. To prevent this, use a screen made of stainless steel mesh.
Another thing you can do is remove wood piles from your yard. These piles should be stored at least 20 feet away from the property. The best way to do this is to stack them on a metal platform or concrete foundation.
One of the most effective ways to keep termites away is to apply an inorganic mulch. Common mulches include shredded bark or pine straw. These should be placed 6 to 12 inches from the structure.
You should also try to keep moisture at bay. For example, dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help keep your home dry and cool.
Termites can also be a problem when you have lots of dead trees and stumps near your home. To prevent this, you should remove the dead roots. Alternatively, you can plant dense plantings at a distance from the structure.