Your home is likely to be the biggest single financial investment you will make in your life, so you don’t want it to be compromised by a hoard of hungry termites. One colony of termites can consume just in excess of two linear feet of a 2×4 piece of pine in one year. This may not sound like a lot, but it is when it’s supporting the structure of your property.
In order ensure that your home does not succumb to the danger of termites it’s important for you to take preventative measures. Once you have spotted that you may have a termite problem, you need to take measures to deal with the issue, possibly with the help of professionals, like the exterminators in Austin. We are going to provide you with some tips on protecting your home against termites, and when to call the professionals.
How can you prevent termites from reaching your home?
One of the major things you need to consider, when protecting your home from termites, is the solidity of your home’s foundations. You need to ensure that any cracks are fixed in order to try and stop termites from getting in.
You also need to pay close attention to the exterior of your home. Termites love wood, so you need to restrict access to it as much as possible. You should always use wood that has been treated if it is going to be in contact with the ground. This does not prevent termites from attacking it, but it does act as a deterrent. Restricting access to water is also important. Of course, as long as there is rain there will be water but you should clear any puddles, fix any household leaks, and limit the amount of foliage close to your home, to reduce the amount of damp areas to which termites are attracted.
What should you do if you find termites in your home?
If it’s just the furniture inside your home that is affected you can take it outside and expose it to sunlight; this should kill the termites as they thrive in dark conditions. You could also try placing the item of furniture in a large freezer, as the extreme of temperature should also kill the pests.
One method which will not completely rid your home of termites, but which may help until you get professional assistance, is to wet two pieces of cardboard and place them on top of each other where an infestation has occurred. The termites will be attracted to the cardboard which can then be removed. Termite Treatment is not an easy job, so in case you find it hard, call in experts to help you out.
When should you call the professionals to deal with a termite problem?
The answer to that is probably when you find the termites. As soon as you know there is a problem it’s a good idea to seek assistance from the experts. They will put their vast experience to good use in planning a method to get rid of the termites from your home in an efficient and effective manner, allowing you to live pest free.
