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Termite proof your home

Published: 09/27/2009

Termites are nasty little creatures that can be found throughout the United States. In fact, most homeowners have no idea they've been invaded by millions of termites until the damage is already done. If you've never seen a termite, they resemble a white ant and they have colony structures that are quite similar to ants. However, unlike their cousins, they have one main diet staple - the wood in your house. If you don't want to deal with thousands of dollars in termite damage, there are a few steps you'll need to take to termite proof your home.


First, you'll need to make sure that you don't have any decaying wood lying around near your house. This is a frequent cause of infestation. If you have firewood, make sure that you store it away from the house and when you bring it inside, burn it immediately. This cuts down on the risk of basically giving the termites the key to your front door.

It is also important to check your home's foundation for any cracks. If you find them, seal them up properly. This will help prevent future infestations, but it really can't do much if you already have a problem. However, before you move to the next step, you'll have to get this done. You'll also need to create a barrier around your home that termites won't be able to cross.

This usually involves putting sand around the foundation of your home. If you have a lot of wood near the ground, this is very important. Cement block foundations usually do pretty well in preventing infestations on their own, but it doesn't hurt to be too careful when it comes to termites. Make sure that you pack a good, thick layer of sand around the foundation. If you get a lot of rain or wind, you may need to reapply this every few months.

Next, it's a good idea to schedule a yearly visit with the termite inspector. The less time you give them, the harder it will be for a termite colony to spread. Keep in mind that they can have thousands of offspring every month and it doesn't take long for a few termites to morph into a few million. If you live in an area that has frequent termite swarms (cloudlike concentrations of termites seeking new homes) you'll want to take extra care and be very vigilant.

If you do find termites on your property, it is best to let a termite control professional handle them. Many people make the mistake of trying to use bug spray or even fire to get rid of termites that they find in nearby logs. Well, when you destroy that home, they're going to need to find a new one and the ones that survive are going to head straight for yours.

Termites can be destructive, but you don't have to give them free reign. Employ these protection practices to ensure that your home stays termite free.