5 Things To Know About Protecting Your Home From Termites

Termites are an unfortunately common problem for property owners in our area. Feeding on wood structures, materials used in home construction, and debris typically found on your property, an infestation can cause heavy damage and may leave you facing structural issues that eventually make your home unsafe to live in. At Amco Ranger, our termite control experts have been helping clients address and eliminate termite problems for more than 50 years. Based on our experience, the following are five things you need to be aware of in protecting your home against termite damage:

1- Wood-to-soil contact provides the perfect breeding ground for termites.

The University of Missouri advises that one of the most important steps you can take in preventing termite damage is to eliminate the conditions under which they typically live and breed. Subterranean termites live underground and in wood that is in close contact to the soil surface.

Wood siding, door or window frames, and other wood structures, such as lattice, should all sit at least six inches above the ground to avoid providing a food source for termites and an easy way for them to chew their way in.

2- Keep moisture away from the foundation of your home.

Termites require a moist habitat to live and breed in. Keep the ground around your home dry by grading it at a slight downward slope and routinely check that all gutters are clear and in good working order. Make sure all downspouts are pointed at least a foot away from your home, and use gravel to line drainage ditches. Check air conditioning units regularly for signs of condensation as well and eliminate all leaks in plumbing.

3- Keep crawlspaces dry and vents free of debris.

Crawl spaces and attics tend to get humid and accumulate moisture as well as debris. Consider installing a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from the outside getting in and make sure adequate vents are installed and cleaned regularly. Avoid keeping firewood or wood construction materials in these locations and clear out any leaves, paper, dirt, or other debris regularly.

Make sure your basement is adequately drained as well and that windows or doorways are properly sealed. Avoid keeping wood furniture or other supplies in this area and consider covering dirt floors with concrete. 

4- Avoid mulch or placing bushes too close to your home.

To avoid attracting termites, use caution in your home landscaping too. Play it safe and make an effort to avoid wood mulch when possible, relying on stones or other materials instead. If you do mulch, keep it a foot from your home. If you cut and store firewood outside in a wood pile or have a wood burning fire pit, keep it 20 feet away. Take care when watering your garden or when installing lawn sprinkler systems to always spray away from your home’s foundation

5- Use only treated wood for construction projects.

When installing fencing on your property or in planning to build porches, decks, or sheds, be certain to use only specially treated wood designed to prevent water damage and repel termites. Unfortunately, while this does provide you with a certain level of protection, it is important to be aware that termites can still infest cut edges of the wood or rotten sections.

Routinely inspect all wood structures around your home or property for signs of termite damage or decay. One way to do this is by stabbing the wood with a screwdriver. Termites burrow and eat their way through wood, leaving tunnels as they go. These will immediately collapse under sharp pressure. Note the location where damage has occurred or where termites are suspected and notify our termite control experts immediately.

Our St. Louis Termite Control Experts Are Here to Help You

Termites can cause extensive damage to your home and are a problem that must be addressed at the very first signs of infestation. To avoid structural problems that could make your home unsafe to live in, call in our St. Louis termite control experts at Amco Ranger today.  

We rely on products that are proven safe, environmentally friendly, and reliably effective for addressing termite issues. You can rest easy, knowing our termite control service comes with a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. Call or contact us online to request a free, no obligation inspection today.