Having
to pay for termite treatment is only the first step to repairing insect damage.
The wood and building materials must also be replaced. An annual termite
inspection and preventative pest control measures could lessen or prevent
infestation all together. Homeowners today can hire professional companies to
inspect and treat the home for insect prevention. They can also perform some of
the treatments themselves.
A home renovation or remodel is a great time to enact pest prevention measures. Every area of the house possesses vulnerabilities that require special attention. These areas are desirable entry points for pests like termites and silverfish. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes across the country. They eat, live in, and tunnel through wood, weakening wall studs, rafters, and joists. Meanwhile, silverfish eat cellulose such as the paper covering in drywall. This weakens walls and can cause them to fail.
A home renovation or remodel is a great time to enact pest prevention measures. Every area of the house possesses vulnerabilities that require special attention. These areas are desirable entry points for pests like termites and silverfish. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes across the country. They eat, live in, and tunnel through wood, weakening wall studs, rafters, and joists. Meanwhile, silverfish eat cellulose such as the paper covering in drywall. This weakens walls and can cause them to fail.
It’s
important to check your house thoroughly. Appliance, outlets, and electrical
panels are great places to check for and prevent pests. Any pipes or appliance
that can cause condensation or leaks should be insulated or repaired. Moisture
attracts pests, and provides a growing medium for mold.
To
deter pests from entering your home, make sure to regularly clean under the
refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove. In addition to removing food particles and
grease, you should also install other pest control methods in and around your
home. This is because pests prefer to set up nests near outlets and electrical
panels.
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Sewage
and plumbing lines are perfect infiltration places for pests.
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Plug
all holes in walls and foundations that have pipes or electric cables running
through them.
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Regularly
inspect pipes under cabinets, in the garage, and in the attic.
HVAC
systems have pipes running through the wall from the condensing unit to the
indoor evaporator/blower unit. Inspecting the unit inside and outside for leaks
is essential. You should also inspect the outside vents to ensure the screens
are intact. Caulk around vents and vent screens to block possible entrances.
Areas around the outside drain should be inspected as well. Windows, doors, and
floors are perfect places for pest control.
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Ensure
weather stripping is in good condition and seals all gaps completely.
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Insulate
and treat gaps around doors and windows.
At
the floor baseboards, inspect for any insect damage. The flooring sill is
supposed to have a moisture and insect barrier. If one is missing, install one
to prevent problems.
Garage
doors need to have a weather strip at the bottom. This prevents rodents and
other large pests from entering the home. Keep grass and plants trimmed away
from the house’s foundation. Tall grass and plants act as highways for invading
insects, especially termites. Basements, attics, and roofs are places that are
largely ignored until a problem arises. Termite treatment and repairs in an
attic space are expensive. Inspect the roofing materials to identify any leaks.
Soffits and flashings should have proper sealants applied to block any entrance
for pests.
All
vents should be properly caulked. In basements, ensure sump pumps are working
properly to remove moisture. Any cracks in the walls or floors should be repaired
immediately. Treat the flooring sills that have contact with the basement
walls. By taking care of these areas during a remodel and having an annual
termite inspection, your home will be a pest-free zone. Make pest inspection
part of your spring and fall cleaning routine. There are dozens of products on
the market to help you keep your home free of disease-carrying pests.
