While termites are more active during warmer months, they also have an appetite when it's cold outside. Termites invade many homes in winter because of several common mistakes that homeowners tend to make. For example, leaving firewood exposed in the home (or failing to fix broken pipes) may attract termite swarms to your premises.
The best way of preventing an infestation is by following a proactive approach. This means taking away what termites love and not creating an environment where they can multiply. The following steps will help you keep termites away this winter.
1. Watch where you store firewood
Are you looking to enjoy warm fires in your home? If so, you may have stocked up on piles of firewood to keep you warm through these cold months. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of leaving their firewood exposed.
Remember that termites eat wood to obtain cellulose. If you leave firewood on the floor or outside your home, you may end up attracting termites that are looking for a tasty dinner. Make sure you store all your firewood off the floor, preferably on top of metallic or plastic platforms. This will make it harder for termites to access the wood and turn it into a late-night snack.
2. Create a boundary between your foundation and yard
Having grass in your yard makes the outdoor space attractive and comfortable. However, vegetation hides termite colonies, and they may eventually make their way inside your home. You can get an early warning sign of such infestations by creating a boundary between your yard and the outside of your home.
For example, surrounding your home with a concrete walkway will enhance the visibility of any termite colonies that are crossing over and into your home. The concrete path may also turn away termites from completing the journey to your home.
3. Fix plumbing issues that may result in dampness
The only thing termites love more than fresh wood is moisture. During winter, many homeowners tend to ignore their plumbing systems as they wait for warm weather to return.
The unfortunate news is that damaged plumbing often manifests itself in leaking pipes or blocked drains. This will, in turn, create moisture (such as pools of water) that may attract termite swarms. Make sure your plumbing infrastructure is regularly inspected for leaks or other damaged components during winter.
4. Trim down bushes
Vegetation such as bushes may also attract termite swarms. Keep bushes at least one to two metres away from the edge of your home, and ensure that there's a concrete surface between your home and such bushes.
To learn more, contact your local termite control service today.