It's Not Too Late To Prevent Termites

"I'm sorry to tell you this. But your home is full of termites." This is not something anyone wants to hear. Ever. Yet, these wood-consuming creatures cost American home and business owners billions of dollars each year, and it doesn't seem like they are going to let up any time soon. But, take heart, because there are steps you can take to keep your property safe. First, let's look at the damage termites can cause, if left unchecked.

Termite Damage

• Siding damage: Wood siding may have chewed areas near the soil, especially if wood touches the soil.

• Stud damage: In sheds or other outbuildings, there may be termite damage. Termites create long channels inside the wood which will eventually make once-strong timbers become brittle.

• Garage door frame damage: If you see holes appearing on the bottom of door frames, this could be termite damage.

• Mazes inside walls: If you tear out a wall and it is porous and filled with troughs and channels, this is termite damage.

• Ceiling, floor and wall damage: If termites are allowed to continue their work long enough, ceilings and floors will begin to sag, and walls will begin to warp.

• Doors and windows sticking: If the damage is extensive, doors and windows will stop working properly.

Termite Prevention Tips

• Keep mulch at least 2 feet away from your basement walls and check it regularly for termites.

• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your exterior walls and up off the ground. Dead wood is an attractant for termites. Subterranean termites will often choose to make a colony in the soil near a woodpile.

• Trim bushes and other vegetation back away from your home. This will help keep the soil around your home dryer and less inviting to termites.

• Keep your yard area free of sticks, leaf piles, and other organic clutter. A yard full of these types of things is a termite magnet.

• Remove any dead tree stumps that are within 10 feet of your home. Again, termites love dead wood.

If you would like to schedule a free home evaluation, reach out to All-American Pest Control. We hope you never hear the words, "Your home has termites." But, if you have to hear those words, it is better to hear them from someone who can do something about it. We've been helping folks get rid of termites, and countless other household pests, for over 45 years. We can help you protect your investment. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance.