Termite Prevention Tips for Houston Termites

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Jump Ahead:

• Subterranean/Formosan Termite Prevention
• Drywood Termite Prevention
• Prevention Checklist
• Baiting and Monitoring

How do you prevent termites from damaging your home? Termites are called ‘silent destroyers’ because they may be tearing up your house without any signs of damage. Guard your house and property against termite infestations by following these tips to prevent termite damage from happening.

Routine Maintenance

• Quarterly Inspections: Schedule a routine termite inspection with Holder’s Pest Solutions at least once a year, but ideally four times throughout the year.
• Meet with your technician: During your pest technician’s visits, explain the conditions of your home and any areas of concern.
• Regular prevention: Based on the signs of termites or conditions around your home, your technician will help to set up a monitoring and baiting system that will help to prevent termites from invading your home.

Subterranean/Formosan Termite Prevention

Because subterranean termites are attracted to moisture, remove as much excess moisture from your property as you can. Seal any leaking plumbing, address dripping gutters and maintain air conditioning units to reduce condensation. This will greatly reduce the types of conditions these termites thrive in.

You can also eliminate nearby, unnecessary cellulose food sources by replacing mulch in your yard with cellulose-free alternatives, making sure wood siding is at least six inches above the foundation of your home, and removing cellulose materials from crawlspaces in your home.

Entry points for subterranean termites are typically located on the ground, near the foundation of your home. Gaps in water and gas lines can allow termites to enter your home. You are especially susceptible to termites if there are any areas where wood meets the ground.

Drywood Termite Prevention

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites are less interested in the moisture around you home. Instead, their common access points are cracks in the exterior wood of your home (i.e. wood siding, door frames, window frames, etc.). Make sure to seal these cracks to prevent termites form entering. This can be accomplished by either sealing the cracks with paint, caulk, or very fine screens over attic and foundation vents.

Food sources around your yard that may attract termites are dead trees, firewood and wooden shingles on your home. Remember, drywood termites are not interested in moisture like subterranean termites, and are a whole different ball game when it comes to prevention.

For an evaluation of your property and situation, contact us today to talk to one of our experts directly. Either way, our knowledge and expertise will go to work for you immediately… We guarantee it!

Your Termite Prevention Checklist:

• Eliminate moisture by repairing leaky faucets and water lines, both indoors and outdoors.
• Keep mulch, wood debris, scrap lumber and firewood away from your home, as they are food sources for termites.
• Grade soil so that water, including AC condensation, runs away from the foundation to avoid adding moisture to your foundation.
• Turn off outdoor lights at night during swarming season (early spring) and keep doors and windows sealed shut.
• Repair broken roof tiles/attic entrances – wooden beams in the attic are often exposed and provide a free meal.
• Remove old tree stumps and treat infested trees on your property.
• Limit wood to soil contact, including wooden fences that run along your property.
• Eliminate cardboard boxes in places like the garage and attic, which can be a food source for termites.
• Routinely check foundation for signs of mud tubes and cracks.
• Schedule an annual professional inspection.

Install a Baiting and Monitoring System

Preventing termites is no easy task, but prevention really is your #1 defense. Drywood termites are extremely difficult to prevent, but they are also less common in the Houston area. Subterranean and Formosan termites are very common, and can both be controlled effectively through ongoing inspections and a Sentricon ® Always Active baiting system. A Holder’s technician can help you find the right prevention steps and treatment methods for your building.