Termites living in the northeast portion of the United States travel in colonies to escape cold weather once a year. These wood-burrowing insects impact three-fourths of the nation, including the Virginia/Washington D.C. area. The amount of damage one colony can inflict on a home or business is extreme. They can even cause structural damage if they are left untreated.
The number of termites in a colony is estimated between 60,000 and a million. They attack trees, homes and shrubs causing homeowners a tremendous stress and money. Fortunately, there are a few things homeowners and business owners can do to protect themselves from these destructive insects.
Making your property inhospitable to these creatures is key since they tend to settle in areas that provides an optimal environment for feeding and breeding. Homeowners and business owners are advised to take these three three important steps to avoid an infestation.
1 - Clear Debris
Remove non-living wood, like fallen branches and old stumps, from your yard. Stack firewood on a raised metal surface away from the home. Even landscaping mulch can attract termites, who feast on cellulose. So, keep it away from your home's foundation by inserting a thick border between the home's foundation and any flower beds. Trim shrubs, trees and bushes so they do not rest against the exterior of the home and clear gutters of debris.
2 - Make Repairs
Excessive moisture can attract hungry termites, so repair any broken or leaky water water pipes. Monitor irrigation systems to be sure they are not overwatering the yard, and be certain that water sprinklers do not spray the side of the house. Add dirt so the ground surrounding air conditioning systems creating excessive moisture so any water drains away from the foundation. Repair any holes or cracks you see in the foundation, where bugs could possibly enter.
3 - Take Precautions
Living vegetation can also be inviting to termites, so plant shrubs and flowers at least 6 inches away from any home or business. Do not allow vines to creep up the exterior of a structure, even on a trellis. Line any crawlspaces under the home or business with plastic. If you're installing wood siding or stucco, foam board should not come within 6 inches of the soil. Add ventilation to attics to avoid excessive humidity. It is also recommended that homeowners and business owners schedule yearly inspections for termites. My Pest Pros is available to address all of your pest control needs.
Remember, early detection can save property owners thousands of dollars in repairs. Affected trees and shrubs may never recover. Protect your property and call My Pest Pros today to assure the structural safety of your home or business.