Believe it or not, you don’t have to wait until you find termite droppings or experience a swarm in your home to take action. Termite control can be proactive, not just reactive.

Here are some key steps homeowners can take to reduce the likelihood of an infestation:

• Fix plumbing issues. Even the smallest leak can attract termites. Moisture at soil level draws subterranean termites, while damp wood invites drywood termites.

   

• Treat exposed wood with borates. Properly applied borate treatments make wood toxic to termites, providing long-lasting protection. Swarming drywood termites that chew treated wood will die, and foraging subterranean termites that contact it will perish.

   

• Install TAP insulation in your attic. This borate-infused insulation acts as a secondary defense. Termites that come in contact with it will ingest the borates while grooming, which destroys the protozoans in their gut—without these, they can’t digest wood and will starve.

   

• Remove wood debris around your home. Stumps, logs, and wood-to-soil contact attract subterranean termites. If termites find a stump near your home, they’ll soon find your framing.

   

• Maintain a full-structure termite warranty. Regular inspections and spot treatments prevent infestations from getting out of hand and reduce the likelihood of fumigation. You may not crawl through your attic, but you need someone who will.

   

• Treat exposed framing during remodels. If you open walls for a renovation, apply borate to the framing before closing them back up.

   

• Avoid planters against your home. Excess moisture from irrigation invites termites. If planters are already in place, avoid over watering.

   

• Keep your home well-painted. Paint acts as a deterrent to drywood termites.

   

• Install a vapor barrier in your crawlspace. This helps reduce moisture, lowering the risk of both drywood and subterranean termites, as well as wood rot.

   

• Clean gutters regularly. Clogged gutters trap water, which can seep into wood, leading to termites and fungal decay.

   

• Seal cracks in eaves. Caulking prevents drywood termite swarmers from gaining entry.

   

• Insulate wooden posts and decks with concrete. Any wood in direct contact with soil will attract subterranean termites.

   

• Fix irrigation issues. Errant or broken sprinkler heads create moisture buildup, which termites seek out.

Dealing with termites after an infestation has taken hold can be costly and stressful. By taking proactive steps, homeowners can protect their property, minimize the risk of infestations, and avoid the hassle of extensive treatments. A little prevention now can save significant time, money, and frustration in the future.