7 Spring Cleaning Ideas To Help Keep Your Home Termite Free
Statistics show that termites do more damage to Australian homes then bushfires, storms and flooding combined. Added to this fact is that most, if not all, insurance companies will not cover you for termite damage. It is in your best interest therefore to keep your biggest investment safe from termites. We have some simple strategies to keep your home and garden termite-free.
Termite Tip 1 – Avoid garden beds close to the buildings.
Built up garden beds may look great close to the house but they do increase the potential for termite incursions.
One of the obvious problems with gardens close to the house is that gardens need to be watered and termites love moisture. And they love moist soil.
Garden beds flush against the house also offer termites entry to the home without you even noticing.
If you do have a garden bed close to your home, maintain it regularly. Keeping your garden neat and tidy has two benefits. You are more likely to see the beginnings of a termite nest. And you can reduce debris and vegetation that termites to use as food or shelter.
We recommend the team at Focal Point Landscape Maintenance for an excellent yard clean up.
Termite Tip 2 – Fix water leaks.
Did we mention that termites love water? Of course we did. They’re a living creature and, like any other creature, they need water to survive. They also like moisture to soften timbers to make them easier to eat.
Termites seek out water. And a water leakage is just what they need to invite them into your home.
Fix any drainage problems, outside leaking taps or pipes and keep your gutters clean too. Any build up of damp debris is a potential entry point for a termite colony.
Termite Tip 3 – Seal cracks and small openings.
Termites are opportunistic, they will make their way into your home through cracks and small openings.
Do a walk around your home and seal up all the cracks you can see.
Termite Tip 4 – Keep your home well ventilated
As we have mentioned a few times, termites love moisture and will seek it out, so it is important to keep your home well ventilated. This includes underneath your house if your house is on stumps. And your ceiling space. (See the picture above, under tip 3, showing ceiling joists damaged by termites.)
One of the most important areas in your home is your bathroom. It’s going to be moist quite often. Make sure it’s fully waterproof. Don’t allow water to puddle. Think about running your bathroom fan a bit longer, drawing all moisture out of the room even after you’ve finished in their.
Vents will allow air to circulate and keep these areas dry and free from moisture, making your home less attractive to termites.
Termite Tip 5 – Don’t let timber and leaf litter build up along house
Maybe you use the hidden side of the house as a storage area for things that you have no other place to store them.
Maybe you’ve got a poorly trafficked area of your home where leaf litter builds up.
Bits of wood or cardboard that doesn’t fit in the recycling bin, these things can and will attract termites. Keep the area around your house clear at all times. Prevent any leaf litter and soil build ups that will provide comfy homes for termites.
Termite Tip 6 – Think about replacing outdoor wooden furniture
As we know, termites enjoy timber. By removing any possible meal you will keep your home safe. There are now some lovely alternatives to timber outdoor furniture that should be considered. Aluminium, iron and concrete are all good options in outdoor furniture and are termite resistant.
If you prefer timber outdoor furniture is worthwhile treating it regularly with either a borax and water treatment or an oil treatment.
Termite Tip 7 – Regular inspections by a licensed pest inspector
The best advice for enjoying a termite-free home is to have a regular inspection with a licensed pest inspector. A qualified inspector like Richard will look for signs of termite activity, give recommendations on ongoing treatment and provide informed advice on how to reduce termite activity.
