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Termite Protection & Prevention

Preventing Termite Damage and Protecting Your Home

Protecting your home from termites requires a professional. A pest control expert is trained to find signs of termite activity that can be overlooked by most homeowners. Experts also understand the behavior of different types of termites as it affects control, including where in the country each species is active, where they are likely to build nests and where they are likely to seek entry into your home.

Knowledge of termite biology and behavior and different home construction types is key to halting and preventing infestations.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Home?
Since termite activity can be difficult to detect, do not wait until you see signs of activity to schedule a termite inspection. Regular termite inspections are a routine part of proper home maintenance, particularly in warmer parts of the U.S. where termites are most active.

Severe damage to outside wall of home

While detection and treatment are best left to your pest control expert, there are home maintenance steps you can take to help prevent infestations. In the inspection report, your professional should note any problem areas, such as structural or moisture issues that can support activity, as well as possible solutions you can adopt to help resolve the issues.

For example, if your termite inspection reveals an attic vent without a screen, your termite professional should explain that this open vent could provide an opportunity for drywood termites to enter the attic. After highlighting this potential entry point, your inspector can suggest bug screens to limit termite access. Similarly, your expert can note areas with wood-to-ground contact or moisture that can provide food and water for termites - and provide recommendations to reduce these conditions.

Preventative Termite Control Methods for Early Termite Detection
If you live in an area where subterranean termites are active, you may want to ask your pest control expert about the benefits of termite monitoring stations. When properly installed, monitoring stations can alert your pest control expert to activity so he or she can begin control measures at the first sign of an infestation. It is important to note that monitoring stations provide a warning about activity; they are not helpful in preventing termite infestations.

If you live in an area where drywood termites are active, you may want to ask your pest control expert whether a proactive wood treatment could help protect your home. This preventative treatment is particularly recommended for homes made with certain types of building materials, such as wood shingles.