Ask the pros!

It’s a good idea to ensure your gutters drain away from your home properly, storing any kind of firewood or wood materials against the home is also a bad idea, this includes wood mulch.

The crawlspace or basement and the garage are generally the first areas where you’ll notice termite activity. It’s also not uncommon to notice them outside the home, but termites are experts in stealth. It’s very common for them to remain undetectable to the untrained eye!

At the minimum, you’d want to have your home inspected for termites every couple of years. Most pest control companies are happy to offer free inspections.

When inspecting a home for termites, especially crawlspace homes, I am checking for excessive moisture, making sure there’s no standing water under the home and the condition/functionality of the vapor barrier. We also inspect for other insects such as ants, spiders or wasps and signs of rodent or wildlife activity in the home. 

.Termite shelter tubes or tunnels is the most obvious indicator of termite activity. Other signs can include bubbling paint or drywall on the main level of the home (this is especially common in slab and basement construction), and potentially damaged wood components

Modern termite treatments last from 5-15 years in the soil, once damage has been done, it’s very hard to tell if all termites have been eliminated. They can remain hidden and continue making a meal of your home, yet no active termites be visible during inspection. If you have your home treated for termites, keep your annual termite warranty in place. You may never need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you kept it!

Mulch, landscaping Timbers and any other wood or cellulose materials in contact with the soil are a four-course meal for termites

Concrete siding board, hardi-board, composite decking, fiberglass and metal.

Take advantage of free termite inspections, many companies offer them. Maintain your landscaping around the home and keep water away from your home. If you follow these few steps, with some professional guidance, your home can be termite-free for years to come!