While it’s true that termites are less active during the winter months, that doesn’t mean homeowners should forget about residential pest control until the weather warms up. Spring is generally considered the boom season for termites. As any local pest control company can tell you, however, the best way to curb a termite infestation in the spring is to apply some basic residential pest control measures in the winter, such as getting a home pest inspection.
The following is a look at actions homeowners can take this How Do Rats Get In Your Apartment winter to prevent a major termite invasion come spring:
Prevent and Treat Termites with a Home Pest Inspection
Homeowners who schedule a home pest inspection now will be one step ahead of the termites come Spring. For homes that already have a small infestation, catching the problem now can prevent expensive structural damage down the road. And if you are lucky enough to be termite free, a local pest control company can help seal up entry points and make the environment less hospitable so termites don’t decide to move in once the weather warms up.
When you schedule your home pest inspection with a residential pest control firm, they will check for cracks, holes and wood damage throughout your home’s interior and exterior. They will also look for vulnerable locations where termites may enter the building.
Wood Management Peppermint Oil For Aphids
While termites play an important role in our natural ecosystems, due to their ability to decompose and recycle dead wood material, this also makes them very destructive to homes made from wood.
Therefore, one of the first things your local pest control company will point out during a home pest inspection is that it’s important to move any excess wood that is in contact with your home, such as firewood or mulch. Otherwise these can create a convenient path right into your walls for termites who are seeking new food and shelter. You should also consider a thorough trimming of all shrubs and trees that are growing next to your home because they will also use trees and plants as bridges to gain entry indoors.
Heat, Water and Shelter
Termites view your home as a source of heat, water and shelter – the perfect place to go during the colder winter months. A termite colony needs a moderately warm environment that is sheltered from the elements but also provides regular access to water.
To avoid this scenario, make sure your crawl space, attic and basement are kept at a dry room temperature. Rooms that are warm or humid due to improper insulation or water leaks will quickly attract migrating termites. Also, check to ensure that your house is ventilating properly and that you have no water leaks. Also, make sure the water runoff from your yard does not run toward your house. These are all basic residential pest control measures that will help deter many other pests in addition to termites.
Residential pest control is a year-round project. It’s best to begin with a home pest inspection from a local pest control company to ensure that you have no current termite infestation as well as to get advice on which areas of your home need to be modified. A little work now will pay off come spring, when termites will be out and about.
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