Termites
Best tips for termite prevention at my Waterloo, IL property
Termites can wreak havoc on a property, making holes in wood and causing drywall to crumble. Although many residents of Waterloo, IL struggle with these pests, a termite infestation is not inevitable. Here are some proactive steps you can take to protect your property from termites.
1. Reduce contact between wood & soil
The only parts of your home that should be in contact with the soil are the concrete foundations. If you have crawlspaces under your home, line it with a vapor barrier to help reduce moisture in the subfloor and floor joists. Do not leave wood or bags of mulch piled against the side of your home. For termites, these are tasty treats that encourage them to move in on your property.
2. Repair the roof
Broken roof tiles allow moisture to build up in your roof, which attracts termites. They also create breaks in the tile barrier, allowing termites to enter your home. Inspect your roof regularly. If you notice any broken tiles, have them replaced right away.
3. Close windows & doors
In Waterloo, IL, termites usually swarm during the spring. During swarming season, termites can fly, even though they are earth-bound during the rest of the year. In spring, try to keep your windows and doors closed to prevent termites flying into your home.
4. Move wooden furniture away from walls
If you have a termite infestation in your walls, the annoying little critters will make straight for any sources of wood they can find. That includes wooden antiques and furniture. Keep these precious items away from the walls to limit termites’ access to them.
5. Regularly inspect your home
The first signs of a termite infestation usually appear on wooden skirting boards or wooden siding. Check these parts of your home regularly for signs of a pest problem, which include small holes in the wood. If you spot the telltale signs, it’s time to call in the exterminators.
6. Contact a pest control company
The best way to put a foolproof termite prevention strategy in place is to work with a pest control company. Exterminators are not only experts on termite removal, but also on termite prevention. They can let you know what termite control steps to put in place to prevent a termite infestation.
For help preventing or dealing with a termite infestation in your home in Waterloo, IL, call Imel Pest Control today.
Why does my Maryville, IL home have a termite infestation?
Are you at risk for a termite infestation?
Termites are one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. They can cause extensive damage before they’re even detected, and getting rid of them can be a challenge for do-it-yourselfers. You probably already know that termites are drawn to the wood in your home. What you may not know, however, is that there are other factors that can lead to an infestation in Maryville, IL homes. Read on for details about termite infestations and how you can keep these little buggers out of your home!
Geography
Your geographical location alone may be enough to make you vulnerable to termites. According to the United States Forest Service’s map of Termite Infestation Probability (TIP) Zones, Illinois faces moderate to heavy termite infestation risk.
Crevices in Your Foundation, Roof or Walls
If you have cracks in your foundation or openings in your roof or walls, termites will be drawn in to seek out moisture and food. Every few months, inspect your home’s doors and windows and apply caulk as needed. If there is any damage to your shingles, eaves, or fascia boards, ensure that they are repaired as soon as possible. You don’t have to perform a complete renovation to deter termites; small fixes that ensure that your home is sealed up tight can go a long way in preventing an infestation.
Moisture/Standing Water
Subterranean termites, in particular, are drawn to moisture. If there is any standing water in or around your home’s foundation, you are automatically more vulnerable to an infestation. Leaky pipes not only lead to water damage and higher water bills, but they can also attract termites, so it’s important to address plumbing issues as they arise. You should also clean your gutters regularly to ensure proper drainage, and keep landscaping near your home’s foundation trimmed back to prevent humidity from building up.
Wood Around Your Home
It’s not just the wood that your home is constructed from that can draw termites; any wood or wood structures that are leaning against your home will also draw them, especially if the wood is untreated. Ensure that trellises, stacked firewood, or shrubs are far away from your home to avoid attracting termites to your home’s interior.
Once you have a termite infestation, getting rid of the colony can be a significant challenge. The experts at Imel Pest Control can help you identify a termite infestation, kill an existing colony, or prevent an infestation. Contact us today for a free termite inspection and consultation.
How to keep termites from infesting your Godfrey, IL property
Tips for termites in Godfrey, IL
Termites are more than just a nuisance; they can cause serious damage to your home. Termites love to nest where the foundation of your home meets the soil; the wood your house is made of is the perfect food source for them. This is why it’s so important to take steps to keep termites away from your home. While there is no 100% guaranteed method to keep termites away, we do have some tips that can help.
Remove Moisture
Termites thrive on moisture. To keep them away from your home, make sure there are no areas where excess moisture is collecting—especially near the foundation. This means repairing any faucets or pipes that may be leaking, making sure there are no drainage problems with your yard, keeping gutters and downspouts clean, and making sure your AC isn’t draining excess moisture near the foundation.
Keep up on Repairs
All it takes is a small crack or hole for a termite to find its way inside your home. Keeping up on small repairs is a good way to prevent a termite infestation in your home. Repair cracked roof tiles and damage near the foundation to keep termites away. You should also regularly inspect wooden beams and floorboards for termite damage. Do this by pressing a thumb against them to check for softness.
Separate Wood & Your Home
If you use a wood stove as your heat source, make sure you’re not keeping your wood pile too close to the foundation of your home. Stacks of wood give these insects a good spot to nest and an endless food source, so they’re a likely spot for them to hide out when stacked near your foundation. Also, make sure any debris or detritus material stays in piles away from the home and its foundation.
In Case of Emergency
Preventive measures can greatly reduce your risk of a termite infestation, but it may still happen. If you notice termites in parts of your Godfrey, IL home or find wood that’s been damaged by termites, call the pest control pros at Imel Pest Control, Inc. to have your home inspected right away. The key to minimizing termite damage is catching it as early as possible, so it’s important to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
