While termite treatment is an effective way to rid your home of pests, homeowners would rather prevent an infestation than deal with one after it’s happened. Thankfully, you can take steps to avoid requiring this service by mitigating the risk of outbreaks before they can begin. Here are four pieces of advice to reduce your likelihood of termite trouble.

How to Keep Termites Away From Your Home

1. Get Annual Pest Inspections

You might not notice signs of termites in time to prevent costly damage. For true peace of mind, leave this task up to the professionals by getting an annual pest inspection. This process includes assessing the exterior of the home, such as the foundation, windows, and roof, before moving into the interior to check out the rafters, basement, and walls. The inspector will note any potential issues and recommend termite treatment as needed.

2. Seal up the House

Bugs are more likely to get into a house when they have easy access. Gaps between window frames and walls, holes where pipes enter the home, and unsealed roofs all pose excellent entryways for termites and other unwanted guests. For preventive pest and termite treatment, seal them up with caulk to keep the bugs away.

3. Use a Dehumidifier 

Termites aren’t just attracted to wood—they also need moisture to survive. These insects often inhabit attics and basements because the areas commonly have high humidity levels.

Lower the moisture content by installing dehumidifiers in these areas or by using an HVAC system with a built-in whole-house dehumidifier. This will make the home more comfortable for your family in the hot months while making it less inhabitable for pests.

4. Reduce Food Options

Paper, cardboard, and wood are key food sources for termites because they love cellulose, a sugary vegetable fiber they break down and excrete. Minimize the amount of this food they can access by taking store-bought foods out of the boxes and keeping them in vacuum-tight containers. Store paperwork in sealed plastic boxes and get rid of any cardboard, papers, or wood scraps you don’t need by placing them in a dumpster to be removed from the property.

If it’s too late for these tips, schedule termite treatment with Central Tennessee Termite & Pest Control in Putnam County, TN. Their expert team is locally owned and operated and has more than 20 years of industry experience using top-notch technology to prevent and mitigate pest problems. Call the Cookeville-area pest control company at (931) 526-2033 to request an inspection or visit the website for information on their services to get rid of ants, termites, spiders, rodents, flies, cockroaches and more.