Termites are pesky little creatures, and they’re the last thing you want to find in your home. They’re extremely destructive and cause major damage to many houses, devouring wooden structures, along with furniture, photos and even clothes. The best way to ensure your home is free of termites is protecting your home against them in the first place.
Termites feed on cellulose, a main component in the cell walls of plants, and the most plentiful organic compound of Earth. Cellulose is found in everything from wood to cotton to paper to cardboard. The costs can quickly add up when you’re dealing with termite damage. To save you the headache and the cost, take a look at 5 tips to prevent termites from feeding on your home.
1. Choose Your Siding Wisely
If you’re craving the look of natural wood for the exterior of your home, think twice before investing in wood siding. Try something like Sagiper, one of Gentek’s most coveted products. You get a wood finish, without the worry and maintenance that comes along with natural wood. It’s highly durable, maintenance free, and impenetrable to insects!
2. Check Your Attic Beams
Wooden attic beams are usually exposed, making them easy prey for termites. If you don’t watch out for them, termites could be eating away at your beams for years. Make sure you do regular checks by pressing your fingers against the wooden beams to see if they feel spongey. A termite treatment spray can be applied if need be, and if you’re really worried, you can call an exterminator.
3. Limit Your Wooden Furniture
There are so many options when it comes to furniture materials these days, and when it comes to termites, the less wooden furniture you have, the better. Wooden furniture makes a very appealing host to termites, so try to limit it as much as possible. If you do have wooden furniture, keep it away from the walls so it’s less likely for termites to latch on.
4. Keep Clothes Off the Floor
Clothing, especially cotton, should be kept off the floor and away from walls. Any material made with cellulose is a feeding ground for termites, so you want to make it impossible for the termites to get to it. Kids and teenagers often throw their laundry on the floor in their bedrooms, so be extra careful to check they’re not leaving it there for weeks.
5. Get Rid of Cardboard Boxes
If you use cardboard boxes to store paper and photos, switch them to plastic boxes. Cardboard boxes are susceptible to termites once they enter the home, so get rid of cardboard boxes altogether. Termites can eat through paper and books and destroy the
boxes completely. If you you’re using cardboard boxes for storage, check to see if there’s any damage to them that could be caused be termites. And switch them to plastic as soon as you can.
If you’re worried about termites, use these 5 tips to protect your home now!