Most types of termites need high moisture environments, and it is therefore important to reduce or eliminate any water leaks or damp areas around the outside of your home. Here are some tips that may help prevent termites from establishing in your home:

• Replace or repair dripping outdoor faucets and leaking air conditioning units.
• Clean or replace overflowing gutters and improperly functioning downspouts.
• Move any materials away from your house that may be trapping moisture against your foundation.
• Maintain a distance of 6 inches between soil and any wood along the foundation of your home.
• Store piles of firewood (or lumber) at least 20 feet from your house.

Wood-to-Earth Contact

Typically, the wood that frames your house does not touch the ground directly. This means that termites must bridge across the concrete slab or other foundation to get to the wood, which they can do using tubes constructed from mud and other materials

However, many homes have wooden fences or decks that attach to the house and make direct contact with the ground. These areas are more vulnerable to a termite attack.

Tips for controlling wood-to-earth contact:

• Don’t stack woodpiles or other wooden materials next to or against the house.
• Don’t run landscape timbers directly up to the foundation or siding—leave a minimum of six inches between the timber and the home.
• If you have an existing wood fence or deck that attaches to your home and makes direct contact with the ground, ensure that it is inspected regularly for termite activity.
• If you are planning to construct a wood deck or fence, ensure that there is no wood-to-earth contact.

Crawl Spaces

The space under your home can be an attractive area for termites if conditions are right. Crawl spaces are often vulnerable because the middle of the space is not typically treated for termites—only the perimeter of the home and the foundation walls are treated. As a homeowner, it’s critical that you monitor your crawl space and ensure you aren’t attracting termites.

Crawl space tips:

• Don’t store anything in your crawl space, especially anything made of wood or wood byproducts.
• Ensure the crawl space is properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
• Periodically check the space for standing water, puddling or leaky pipes. Remember—termites love moisture!

Signs of Termite Damage

A professional termite inspection should be performed on your home each year. Since termites move around and establish new colonies, making sure your home is thoroughly evaluated annually is very important in preventing damage.

Although self-inspection cannot replace inspection by professionals, you can also check your home throughout the year for indications of termites. Keep an eye out for these potential signs of termites between annual professional inspections.

• Any visible changes in wood siding, foundation beams, window seals, or door frames
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Blistered or uneven paint
• Mud tunnels on the foundation

If you see any signs of termite damage, contact Peachtree Pest Control as soon as possible to get your termite problems taken care of safely and quickly.

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