The last thing any homeowner wants is to discover signs of termites around their home. This is mostly due to the extensive damage these little critters cause. Even more alarming is that termites are usually only discovered once they’ve already done a considerable amount of damage.
Since termites are such a common problem, many Australian homeowners often opt for the services of pest control Melbourne and other major city residents rely on. Dealing with a termite problem as soon as it’s discovered is essential to minimise potential damage.
Most Effective Ways To Keep Termites At Bay
Almost 20% of all Australian homes or businesses face a termite infestation at some point. According to pest control experts, it takes a termite colony a mere 3 months to cause extensive damage to roofing and other structures.
With that staggering assessment in mind, our experts have compiled a list of their top tips to help you prevent a termite colony from invading your space. Keep reading to see what you can do.
1. Remove Any Food Sources
Termites, like other household pests, settle in places where food is readily available. Having constant (and easy) access to a food source will not only attract them but keep them there.
One of the biggest attractions of timber is that most of it contains cellulose. Since cellulose also happens to be a termite’s favourite snack, it’s the main reason they’re attracted to wood. Having a home, shed or outdoor entertainment area made mostly of timber is just a giant termite snack waiting for an invasion.
Here’s what you can do to eliminate their timber food sources:
- Remove any wood piles that may be close to your home’s foundation
- If your home features older wooden structures, speak to your pest controller for a treatment plan
- Routinely check wooden furniture and treat where possible – this includes any outdoor furniture in your entertainment area
- Seal off any cracks or openings in your foundations and surrounding areas
2. Eliminate Access to Moisture
Aside from a food source, a reliable source of moisture is important to where termites locate their colonies. Damp, rotting wood is an ideal attraction. To avoid this, repair leaks in and around any timber structures. Be sure to clean any puddles of water that pool around your home after a heavy storm.
3. Avoid Using Softwood Around Your Property
If you’re going to add additional structures to your property it’s crucial to treat the wood you’re going to use. Using softwood to build patios or building extensions is a sure way to attract termites. This is because untreated softwood is easier for them to nibble through. We also recommend that you speak to your pest controller for the appropriate termite treatment to keep new and existing structures safe.
4. Add a Termite Control Treatment To Your Routine Maintenance
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to only deal with a pest problem when the pests have already moved in. When it comes to termites, our experts recommend investing in termite barriers and routine termite inspections. These types of treatments will prevent any potential termite colonies from finding your property appealing.
If you have fences made of wooden posts, it’s a good idea to speak to your pest control agent about a barrier that will work most effectively in those areas. Most routine maintenance plans take place annually unless an existing threat requires additional treatment.
5. Check for Termite Infestations In The Area
While you might go the extra mile to keep your property termite-free, your home could still be at risk if there are termites in the area. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about a neighbour who doesn’t share your concerns. What you can do is treat the area that separates your property. This goes a long way to preventing these critters from crossing over into your space. Be sure to do routine checks on these areas to ensure that the colony isn’t moving over.
6. Remove Plant Debris From Around Your Property
Many homeowners enjoy having plants around their homes as part of their outdoor décor. If this is the case ensure that these areas are regularly cleaned of dead leaves or plant materials.
Dense vegetation around your entryways or foundations is usually damp and becomes a potential breeding ground for termites. As we’ve mentioned earlier, move wood piles away from the building. Ideally, you want to store these in a cool, dry place such as a shed. Be sure to use the oldest and most likely to rot in your next barbeque.
Final Thought
Keeping your home free from termites is quite easy if you follow our guidelines and, more importantly, enlist the services of a pest control specialist. While termite treatment plans may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if you don’t have termites, it’s a smart investment. A comprehensive termite plan will save you thousands of dollars in structure repairs!