Cellulose-loving termites are among the worst infestations a household can sustain due to the serious structural damage they inflict. Professional termite control is always necessary to eliminate infestations, but there are several steps you can take at home to prevent their unwelcome visit in the first place.

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining a Termite-Free Household

1. Reduce Moisture Around Your Home’s Foundation

Clean your gutters regularly to steer water flow away from your home. This way, it won’t pool around the foundation. Termites frequently enter homes through the foundation and are attracted to water. Because of this, you should also ensure the soil around your foundation slopes downward.

2. Lower Indoor Humidity

Use dehumidifiers throughout your home if the humidity is above 45%. Again, termites and many other pests, such as ants, are attracted to moisture and will thrive in an overly humid house.

3. Keep Wood Piles Raised & Away From Your House

Place firewood and kindling on platforms or in a shed away from your home. Any wood around your house attracts termites, so keep loose pieces away and treat permanent structures, such as decks, with termiticide. You can make natural termite control borders around your home with catnip and other plants repulsive to the pests.

4. Seal Foundation & Utility Line Gaps

Seal any cracks in your foundation since they are frequent points of termite entry. Do the same with water and gas lines and basement windows. Add fresh sealant about every six months or as needed to make your residence as impenetrable to pests as possible. 

5. Remove Excess Cellulose Material

Remove all excess cellulose material from your home, such as stacks of newspapers and magazines in your basement. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for storage. Additionally, avoid using cellulose products outside, such as wood mulch in your gardens. Opt for gravel or rubber mulch to keep the termites away.

Select Pest Control provides Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas with comprehensive termite control services and professional tips for preventing their return. The licensed exterminators are known for taking on any pest infestation with unparalleled skill while also providing convenient animal control services. Call (513) 352-0080 to schedule termite control today or visit the website for service details. Follow the exterminators on Twitter for more pro tips.