Prevent termites from causing costly damage
A good offense is the best defense
Termite damage costs homeowners over $5 billion annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, Florida’s climate is ideal for several types of these destructive pests. Because termite damage isn’t covered by homeowners’ insurance and doesn’t qualify for tax relief loss claims, the only real defense is a good termite control offense that includes inspection, treatment, and prevention. Installing and maintaining a Sentricon® System and having your home inspected on a regular basis as part of a customized pest control plan are your best tactics for termite treatment and termite prevention in Florida.
Prevent termites from damaging your home
Reduce wood-to-ground contact points and eliminate moisture
Most common termites are subterranean termites. Termite prevention should focus on restricting termite access to your home by reducing areas where wood features of your home, such as siding, come in contact with the soil. Keep wood siding at least 6” above the soil line.
You can take a few more steps to make your home less appealing to termites, such as:
- Keep landscaping plants trimmed away from your home
- Don’t let mulch meet your home’s foundation
- Store firewood at least 20’ away from your home, and raise the stored wood at least 8” off the ground
- Remove paper, cardboard, and other cellulose-based debris around your home
Termites love moisture, so any steps you can take to keep moisture away from your home are steps in the right direction to prevent termites from moving in.
- Quickly repair any leaking faucets or other sources of moisture buildup in or around your home
- Maintain clean gutters and downspouts to effectively divert water away from the foundation
- Eliminate moist air from crawlspaces with a vapor barrier and dehumidifier if needed
Prevent termites in your yard
Keep troublesome termites away from your home
Take extra precautions in your yard and garden to prevent termites from digging a highway to your home.
- Inspect any lumber intended for garden projects
- Remove dead trees, which can house drywood termites
- Routinely inspect any wooden fencing
- Consider using pine needles as mulch, as they are less appetizing to termites
- Keep your grass cut short and raked
If they’re not dead, we’re not done!