Warmer weather means it’s time for Florida residents to get ready for the annual visits from spring and summer guests. There are some “guests,” however, that you don’t want to invite for a stay: termites. These destructive pests will begin to swarm soon, and as they do, they may decide that your house is the perfect place to set up housekeeping. This year, Turner Pest Control and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are spreading the word about termite control during Termite Awareness Week and what you can do to make sure you’re not attracting them.
Termites get nutrition from cellulose and they’ll feast on it wherever it may be, whether that’s in your wooden doors or window frames, foam, drywall, cardboard, paper, or anything else made from wood pulp. Unfortunately for homeowners and business owners, cellulose is one of the most abundant substances on the planet and the most important component in the cell walls of plants. That makes it difficult to completely avoid the threat of termites, especially in Florida’s pest-friendly climate, but there are several things you can do to deprive termites of some of their main sources of food:
Clear mulch away from your foundation: Mulch is an attractive addition to landscaping around your home, but it provides both the food and the moisture that termites seek. Keep wood mulch materials at least 15 inches away from your home’s foundation or consider using a non-wood material, such as stone or pine needles.
Keep gutters clear: Gutters can easily get clogged with debris, which causes water to pool. In addition to providing food and moisture, this can make your home’s insulation vulnerable to a termite invasion.
Move firewood and other wood pulp away from structures: Lumber, cardboard, paper, firewood and other sources of wood pulp should be kept away from your home’s foundation. Move firewood stacks at least 20 feet away and five inches above the ground. Remove traces of stumps or dead trees in your yard, avoid planting shrubs up against your house, and try to maintain a completely wood pulp-free barrier around all structures on your property.
Eliminate water sources: Check around your home for spots where moisture collects, such as under leaky spigots, and ensure that rainwater flows well away from your foundation. Termites don’t particularly like dry soil, so direct sprinklers away from your foundation as well.
Once you finally notice a termite problem, chances are good that you have an extensive population of termites since they do most of their damage behind the scenes. The NPMA estimates that more than $5 billion in damage is done by termites in the U.S. each year, and it’s not usually covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Termite damage repair costs can be in the thousands of dollars and weaken the most important components in your home’s structure.
As the ground warms up, swarming termites will be on the lookout for new places to nest, so now is the time to call in the pros at Turner Pest Control. We offer free, no-obligation quotes on our comprehensive termite treatments. Schedule your free estimate today!
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