How to Keep Termites Away From Your Crawlspace

Don’t underestimate the termite’s invasion; it may possibly become a huge problem in your house. Termites can make big structural damage to your walls, foundation and furniture. Moreover, they need moisture, food and insulation to multiply and thrive. And crawlspaces are the perfect place to make their pedestal into your house.

Beneath you can find out more about how to keep termites away from your crawlspace so you could prevent a termite’s invasion.

Your basement or crawlspace must have appropriate ventilation

An immense way to help termites from invading your home is reducing humidity and moisture in parts around the foundation; such as your crawlspace or basement. Appropriately ventilating these places can help you to a great extent in the battle against the termites.

Make sure that all the vents are free of any obstruction like dirt, debris, vegetation and leaves. In addition, if you live in a very humid environment, dehumidifier could be very practical for your home.

Keep cellulose and wood-based firewood away from your house

Don’t store your firewood or any cellulose product like cardboard boxes inside the crawlspaces or against foundations. These materials will not only provide food for the termites; but they will also provide hidden and safe entry to possible invaders. Wood-based materials that are located around the foundations will act like bridges bypassing the near soil treatment.

Also, keep your woodpiles higher than the ground several inches; and keep them at least some feet away from your home, when possible. Remove vines that are touching foundations. They may act like passage for the termites. Remove the dead roots, and tree stumps, or any remaining wood around or beneath your home before treating your basement or crawlspace.

Don’t let the moisture accumulate around the foundation

The termites adore moisture. And more there are in the soil; they are more attracted. Termites thrive in moisture-rich surroundings; and its presence around or near your foundation is an open invitation to come into your house. For that reason, it is very important to get rid of the moisture for keeping the termites away.

Starting point in eliminating excess moisture is identifying potential water sources. Lope or grade the ground near and around your foundation and property so that the water can drain away from them. In order to avoid water pooling, direct downspouts properly, repair the faucets, leaking pipes or air condition unit that can add more moisture. But if you can’t avoid the water from accumulating; be sure to install a suitable drainage system.

Avoid wood-to soil contact

Wood is the best food source for the termites. In direct contact with the soil it will allow termite’s direct access to your house. They could easily channel through wood; which will lose its integrity over the time. When combined with moisture, the wood will quickly rot and then encourage more and more termites to show up.

Do not underestimate landscaping mulch

If you have landscaping around your house, you may have used mulch for making it look pleasant and also keep your plant life healthy. On the other hand, mulch has ingredients like cellulose and wood; and inappropriate usage may well attract the termites.

Landscape mulch has outstanding moisture retaining properties; which makes it ideal for termites to breed and live. Keep mulch at least 20 inches away from your foundation. Moreover, make sure to scrape it back away from the vents or any frame that is made of wood.

Seal the holes, cracks or joints

Termites could easily enter your house through little holes, cracks, holes or joints in walls or foundations. When they can’t enter directly; they will build tunnels of mud all along the surfaces as long as they find an entry point. So, seal all potential entries, big or small, in order to prevent the termites getting into your home. When required, apply a clean coat of paint; if possible use the ones with waterproofing properties. This could not only discourage the termites; but it will also prevent the moisture from causing you further problems.

Call professional help

When treating your crawlspace for moisture and termites always contact professionals. They have the appropriate knowledge when it comes to dealing with these issues; and they will save you from a lot of mess. The pest control experts will inspect your home; and effectively apply termite killers or other steps for preventing invasion. Sometimes, you might also have to call a professional waterproofing contactor to waterproof your property appropriately, so you can successfully avoid the excess moisture and discourage the termites from invading. Contact our qualified waterproofing team and we will help you with proper waterproofing materials; damaged walls and leaking pipes.