No matter where you live, from New York to St. George’s Utah, part of living in a house means you have to worry about termites. For those of us who own our own homes, this is an important part of our upkeep that is absolutely necessary. Learning what to look for and how to protect your home from termites is a large part of the battle.
Termite Infestation – What do I look for?
Termites usually “swarm” during the spring months. They grow wings and fly off to start a new colony. If you see them outside of your home, you should check it but they are probably from the trees and stumps. If you see them inside your home, it is a guarantee that you have an infestation.
Mud tubes are another indication that you may have an infestation. Termites build them to travel from their home up the concrete walls to the food supply (wood). You can easily break these open to check for the bugs. You may have to open more than a few of the tubes as some get abandoned as they move on to a new food source.
Some infestations can stay hidden for years if they stay hidden in the walls and structure. Many times they will eat away at the wood from behind and you will never see the damage until it is too late. Look for St. George pest control if you live in Utah – and have your home inspected to be absolutely sure.
How do I repel termites?
There are many different ways that you can repel bugs from your home. Termites like to live in damp places where there is an abundant food supply.To keep them from using your home as that food supply, there are some simple steps you can take that will help ensure your success.
- remove any and all wood from the base of your home. This includes mulch, wood piles and any roots or trees.
- Leave space between plants and your home. About three feet should be good.
- Make sure there is no standing water and any water can flow away from the house.
- There should be at least six inches of foundation showing. This helps keep termites from getting up into the wood.
- Make sure all gutters and drains are kept clean and flow easily.
- Direct lawn sprinklers away from your home.
While St. George may be a more arid part of the US, you can still have termites. Ensuring that your home is protected is as simple as can be. Professionals will use either bait or chemicals around the exterior of your home or even both. This will create a chemical barrier that can protect for up to five years. Regular inspections are important though, just incase the termites manage to find a “gap” in the barrier and squeeze through.
Raise your family’s awareness about termites
Help your family to be aware of what the termites look like and also how to spot problems. Sometimes children will see things before you will as they are outside playing around your house. They will especially notice “flying bugs” before you do, so make sure that they know what they are and the difference between flying termites and flying ants.
Protecting your home from wood-eating termites is an important part of keeping your house healthy and stable.
What are some things you do to protect from bugs?
*image source Dead Termites by Editor B, via Flickr cc
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Great information. We have never had an issue with them, thankfully, but I know a few people that have had to deal with termites in their homes.
same here Robyn, they are nasty little critters that can cause so much damage!
Wait.. those winged things are termites?! We had a swarm of them a couple week ago and it was nasty, they were everywhere outside and freaking me out. We own our home so I am all about protecting it …
They are indeed! I would definitely be on the alert if you saw them swarming!
When I was a kid we lived in a block house (which my father built). He thought since it was block we didn’t have to worry about termites – WRONG! I remember on night sitting in the living room watching TV when all of the sudden I noticed the whole wall was covered with bugs – yes – termites! They had done an amazing amount of damage :(. Even block houses get termites (they eat the studs since they are wooden).
Oh my goodness! I can imagine that was a very costly repair! It just shows how on top of things you have to be when a homeowner!
Those tips are what exactly I’m looking for. I’ve been searching for some tips on what to do with the termites in our house. Thank you for sharing!
Wow! I learned a lot of things avoid termites. Thanks for sharing.
You have some great tips for repelling termites. I have actually never thought about putting distance between my home and my plants, but that is a good idea. I will have to make sure there is a few feet of space there, thanks!
Great advice. An infestation can be a real nightmare and disrupt your whole life.
Termites and other wood insects are a serious issue, especially in more humid places. I will definitely have to use these tips this spring, thanks for sharing!