Prevention is better than cure, or so they say. This old adage has never been true than when it comes to dealing with termites invasion. Termites can cause significant damage to property.

So, it is always worthwhile for every homeowner to take precautionary steps to prevent the little creatures.

Good thing is, there are several things you can do as a homeowner to protect yourself and your property from termites. If you asked us, we would encourage the advice we have provided below as the general “best practice” guide for all the homeowners.    

Regular inspections

Yes, organizing regular inspections is the best way to prevent the termites. Inspections conducted by a licensed professional on regular basis will ensure that any issues related to termites are detected on early stages, before any extensive damage that will require costly repairs is done.

Avoid footings and timber structures constructed in contact with the ground

In more often than not, termite problems usually occur when wood or timber components of the building or structure are in direct contact with the soil. Earth-to-wood contact allows termites’ easy access to shelter, moisture and food, and hidden, direct contact entry into the building.

You should ensure that wood siding, window and door frames are at least 6 inches above the ground level.

To eliminate wood-to-soil contact, you may have to consider pulling soil or regrading or mulch back from the house’s foundation, supporting posts or steps on a concrete base, or cutting off the entire bottom off wood latticework.

Stairs or posts embedded in concrete are also often vulnerable to termite attack or invasion as they normally extend all the way through the entire concrete to the soil. While most people believe that pressure-treated wood are safe, termites can still enter the wood easily through cut ends and cracks, or also build tunnels over the wood surface.

Avoid certain types of mulch

Mulch is another common cause that is often seen. Homeowners often give little or no thought whatsoever of the type of mulch that they use. In most cases, homeowners will always pop down to the local landscaping supply yard, fill the box trailer with the mulch, and then carry it home and spread it beautifully around the yard.

And even worse, some homeowners that shovel up mulch or the woodchips from the local council cleanups from the nearest roadside thinking that they have saved some money. Unfortunately, they are not aware that it is potentially loaded with termites.

So, the best way to prevent termites in this case is to use only some types of mulch which is termite resistant. Also, always ask which type of mulch a landscape supplier is providing you with. Besides, you should avoid shoveling mulch from the unknown sources off the road side.