How do I prevent termites from getting into my house?

If you live in the DFW area termite could become an issue. Do you know what attracts termites? What to look for? What you can do to prevent a termite infestation?

A little background on termites. Termites eat cellulose which is found in wood. They also like wet conditions. So what can you do? Here are 9 tips to prevent termites from taking up residence in your home.

Prevention tips for termite prevention:

Keep shrubs and bushes trimmed so that they are is at least 18 inches from the house. Since shrubs, bushes, and trees are a food source for termites this will keep them from getting too close to your house.

Always buy treated mulch or keep mulch a safe distance from your home. It may be good for you shrubs and bushes to maintain moisture in the Texas heat but it needs to be kept 18 inches to 2 feet from your home if it is not treated. I recommend staying away from free mulch. It is usually free because it has termites
Keep wood materials away from the house. Don’t store firewood or any other wood against or in close proximity to the house.
Repair Leaky Pipe and Gutters – termites dehydrate easily so they look for a moisture source. Leaky plumbing and faulty gutters provide a place for termites to get the moisture they need.
Good Drainage is critical to make sure the water drains away from your home. Pools of water near your home is an invitation for termites.
Protect the exterior of your home by keeping the paint in good condition, repairing cracks, and caulking. This eliminates potential points of entry.
Eliminate any wood contact with the soil. This one may not apply to many homes but some older homes may have wood that comes in contact with the soil.
If you have a house with a crawlspace, keep all wood and wood products cleaned up. Termites come up from the ground. Wood under your house is a great source of food and attracts them to your house.

Do it yourself inspection tips. What to look for.

Look for mud tubes around your foundation. These are used by termites to travel into your house to eat your wood framing. Some ants make tubes. Disturb the tube. If the insects start running around quickly it is typically an ant tube.

It is always a good idea to know what you are looking for. It is easy to mix them up with ants. Check out the pictures below.

Inspect your home regularly. With busy lives this may be a tough one to do. You can always hire a professional company to inspect your home and provide proactive treatments to protect your home year round.

Remember, a well maintained home is a Happier Home!