Houston is home to a variety of termite species, but they all have one thing in common: they’re destructive! Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before homeowners ever suspect a problem. At Green Team Pest, we have been providing total termite control for Houston homes since 2005. Our team of experts has compiled a list of the top four methods for avoiding termite infestations.
1. Avoid Excess Moisture
Termites are attracted to moisture and are more likely to infest a home with moisture around the foundation. Eliminate this problem by using mulch sparingly, and only in areas that come in direct contact with sunlight. Also, be sure to properly divert water from downspouts, air conditioners, and irrigation systems away from your home. Additionally, avoid excessive moisture from accumulating in crawl spaces by using proper ventilation and vapor barriers.
2. Eliminate Wood in Contact with the Ground
Termites feed on wood, so it is imperative to eliminate easily accessible food sources. Homes with wooden siding, door or window frames, lattice, or stairs that come in direct contact with the soil are at a high risk for infestation. Wooden structures need to be at least six inches above the ground, and mulch and soil should be pulled back from wooden foundations. When possible, dead tree roots and stumps should also be removed from around the home.
3. Remove Hiding Places
Similarly, homeowners should never store firewood, lumber, cardboard boxes, newspapers, or other fibrous materials near the home’s foundation or in crawl spaces. These materials not only provide a tempting source of food for termites, but they also provide the perfect hiding place for a colony. Furthermore, dense plants like ivy, vines, ground cover, and shrubbery retain moisture and provide hidden access points into the home.
4. Have a Professional Inspection Performed
To nip your termite problem in the bud, contact Green Team Pest to request a free consultation or schedule your comprehensive termite inspection. Our termite exterminators will conduct a thorough investigation of your property, identify risk factors that contribute to infestation, and create a customized treatment plan for your home. We even offer complimentary 90-day Termite Treatment Warranty for customers who order a full termite treatment service. Call us at (281) 295-1633 to begin your journey toward a pest-free home.