Preventive tips from termites destruction

Termite Prevention Tips

You can use stones or cement to separate soil from the wooden area especially in your patios, gardens, etc. to create a physical barrier for termites. Use Borate on Wood Before Priming or Painting: Borate is one of the most popular termite repellents. You can spray borate on wood prior to priming and painting.

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Types of Termites and the Damage they cause:

Termites are common here in South California, and once they start feeding on a house, they can cause significant structural damage. Because termites usually feed in areas that are hidden from view, they are one of the most difficult infestations to detect.

Limit Cellulose Access Termites can easily feed on cellulose that is in contact with soil and work their sdk way into your home.

Keep the levels of your landscaping mulch several inches below your home’s siding.

In the winter, cover your firewood and store it away from your home.

Never buy wood scraps in your yard – it makes it easier for termites to find your home.

Limit Moisture

Since termites like a moist environment, you can prevent them by keeping your home and its surrounding areas dry.

Keep bushes, trees, and other vegetation trimmed and away from your home’s foundation.

Make sure the attic, crawl space, and basement are kept dry and well-ventilated.

Limit Water Supplies

Termites need water to survive, so make sure you make it as scarce as possible to find near your home.

a) Use gutters that aren’t clogged to funnel rainwater away from your home. This prevents standing water sources.

b) Find and fix any water leaks you may have in your home.

c) If you use sprinklers, keep them away from your home’s foundation as often as possible.

There are many steps homeowners can take to help prevent termites from infesting their property such as:

Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home, which termites need to thrive.
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and exterior AC units.
Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles.
Replace weather stripping and loose motar around basement foundation and windows.
Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes, uneven or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, door frames and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.
Maintain an 18 – inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home.
Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually. Wood – boring insect damage is not covered by homeowners insurance policies.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.

Note: Termites cannot be controlled with do-it-yourself measures.

Maintain the Termite Prevention Features

After construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry through proper grading and drainage.
Reduce openings that offer termites access to the structure (filling cracks in cement foundations as well as around where utilities pass through the wall with cement, grout, or caulk).
Fix leaks immediately.
Keep vents free from blockage, including plants.
Ensure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the structure and do not allow them to grow against exposed wood surfaces.
Do not pile or store firewood or wood debris next to the house.
Inspect periodically to help ensure that termite colonies do not become established.

Non-Chemical Treatments

Some ways to keep termites out do not involve the application of insecticides. For example:

One such method is a physical barrier, typically incorporated during construction.
Steel mesh and sands of particular sizes have been shown to perform effectively as physical barriers.
Biological control agents (nematodes and fungi) have demonstrated some success, particularly in laboratory settings.
Because these methods do not involve the application of an insecticide, EPA does not regulate them.

Chemical Treatments

Before a company can sell or distribute any pesticide in the United States, other than certain minimum risk pesticides, EPA must review studies on the pesticide to determine that it will not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. Once we have made that determination, we will license or register that pesticide for use in strict accordance with label directions. The pesticides used for the prevention or treatment of termite infestations are called termiticides and must demonstrate the ability to provide structural protection before we register them. In most cases, termiticide application can only be properly performed by a trained pest management professional.

The most common technique for treating termite infestations is the soil-applied barrier treatment. Termiticides used for barrier treatments must be specifically labeled for that use.

As the federal agency responsible for regulating all pesticides, including termiticides, sold, applied, or distributed in the United States, EPA must ensure that the pesticide, when used according to label directions, meets current safety standards to protect human health and the environment. To make such determinations, we require more than 100 different scientific studies and tests from applicants. Most states also review the pesticide label to ensure that it complies with federal labeling requirements and any additional state restrictions of use.

Many termiticides are highly toxic, making it critical to follow label directions with added care. Pest management professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment as required by the label, which minimizes risks and maximizes effectiveness.