Ways on Termite Protection

 

Most homeowners are really clueless with regards to protecting their homes from the devastating attacks of pest treatment Brisbane. Like in many cases, protection is one of the most effective methods of repelling the attacks of these barely visible house wreckers.

 

Homeowners can reduce the risk of pest treatment Brisbane attacks on their residences by taking up the first moves against these mindless destroyers. Some of these precautionary actions have already been adapted by the construction industry.

 

Here are some of the practical pest treatment Brisbane in the reduction of actual infestations by termites.

 

Wood contact with the ground

 

Problems arise when the wood components of a structure are in direct contact with soil. The sad fact is that earth-to-wood contact enables termites to have easy access to food, moisture and shelter, including the dreaded entry to the building.

 

Always have the wood sidings, the door and window frames, etc. is as high as six inches above ground. Posts or stairs embedded in concrete are also vulnerable to termite attack since they usually extend all the way through the concrete to the soil.

 

Pressure-treated wood is still vulnerable to termite attack, entering the wood through the cracks and cut ends. They even make tunnels sometimes over the wood surface.

 

Moisture buildup

 

Never have moisture accumulate near the foundation because termites are greatly attracted to moisture. Water should be diverted away with properly functioning gutters, downspouts and splash blocks.

 

Leaking faucets, pipes and air conditioning units should be repaired. The ground next to the foundation should be sloped so that surface water drains away from the building. Re-route water away from the foundation.

 

Moisture and humidity in crawl spaces

 

For crawlspaces with a vapor barrier, the total vent area often can be reduced to one square foot per 300 to 500 square feet of crawlspace area.

 

Moisture and humidity in crawl spaces can be reduced further with a 4-6 ml polyethylene sheeting on about 75 percent of the soil surface. The soil cover will act as a vapor barrier to reduce evaporation from the soil and moisture condensation.

 

Firewood against foundations

 

Don’t store firewood (or wood debris) against foundations or inside crawlspaces. Firewood, lumber, cardboard boxes, newspapers, and similar materials attract termites and provide a source of food.

 

Also avoid vines, ivy, and other dense plantings touching the house. Where practical, have tree stumps and dead roots removed. Don’t leave any form of wood scrap boards anywhere after the building was constructed.

 

Using mulch

 

Use mulch sparingly. Termites are attracted to mulch because of its moisture-retaining properties, and the insulation it affords against temperature extremes.

 

When using mulch, it should be applied sparingly (a couple inches is usually enough). It should never be in contact with the wood siding or framing of doors or windows on the structure.

 

Get a professional pest control company.

 

Consider having the home treated by a professional pest control firm. Preventively treating a home for termites is a prudent investment, especially if the structure has had no prior history of treatment.

 

While the above measures will help make the structure less attractive to termites, the best way to prevent infestation is to protect it with a termiticide.