As homeowners, anything that threatens to decrease the value of our home needs to be well managed. One of the biggest issues facing homeowners in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra today is termite damage. Here in the sunshine state, we are home to approximately 3-5 termite colonies per acre. These tiny wood-eating bugs are everywhere, so it’s not surprising that one in ten Florida homes will be affected by termites this year. Luckily there are preventative measures that you can take to reduce the risk of getting termites in your home. Here are four different things that you should be doing to keep your house intact and termite free.
Eliminate Wood-Ground Contact
Most homes have at least a little bit of wooden paneling around the perimeter, just a few inches above ground level. Over time, debris can build up and soil can get pushed around, causing the soil to meet the panels. This provides termites with easy access to their source of food, moister, and shelter. To eliminate this soil-wood contact, you may have to dig around the base of your house, pulling back some of the soil or mulch. After you’ve checked the perimeter of the house, next you should examine any wooden support beams you might have. Some support beams extend past the concrete foundation of your home and into the soil below. Termites can enter the wood from underneath the building, so it’s important to check the beams every now and then.
Remove Standing Moisture
Termites love to set up camp in moist soil, so make sure to remove any standing water near the foundation. Due to high rain frequency, the soil surrounding gutter drains can stay moist almost year-round in Florida, but this can be easily remedied with a splash block. Cracked pipes are another cause of runoff into the soil, so do not put off any repairs. Lawn irrigation systems should be set up to minimize moisture near the foundation of the house.
Be Careful Where You Store Your Firewood
It’s always nice to have a stockpile of firewood for the winter season, but you should be mindful of where you keep it. Having an abundance of wood stored against your house can be a recipe for disaster. Not only do termites live in wood, but a large pile may allow them entry to the house, bypassing any insecticide you might have on your lawn.
Don’t Over Mulch
Over mulching is bad for the same reasons that wood-soil contact is bad. Mulch provides better shelter for the termites. Mulch is a great moisture retainer, which is why it is so good for your plants, but this same property also makes it great for termites. When mulching, apply liberally, and be sure to keep it away from wooden paneling, doors, and windows.
Get Rid of Termites Today
Termites can be difficult to get rid of on your own, but luckily you don’t have to. RightWay Integrated Lawn and Pest Control is ready to defend your home from pests and keep your lawn healthy. Here at RightWay, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our community, and to completing services the right way. Our lawn care technicians are trained and equipped with the tools to get rid of termites and keep your home looking great. To schedule an appointment or get a quote, call us today or click the link at the top of the page!
