How to Protect Against Termites After an Infestation

Termites can wreak havoc on your home, causing extensive and costly damage. Once you've dealt with an infestation, it's crucial to take proactive steps to prevent future termite invasions. Protecting your home against termites involves a combination of property maintenance, preventative treatments, and regular monitoring.


Inspect and Repair Any Damage

After the initial infestation has been treated, inspect your property thoroughly to assess the damage caused by termites.

  • Repair Structural Damage: Replace or reinforce weakened wood structures, as damaged wood can attract termites.
  • Seal Cracks and Crevices: Fill any gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and windows to eliminate potential termite entry points.
  • Replace or Remove Compromised Materials: Dispose of any wood debris or materials that may still harbor termite remnants.


Eliminate Moisture Sources

Termites thrive in moist environments. Reducing moisture around your property can make it less attractive to these pests.

  • Fix Leaks: Repair leaking pipes, faucets, and gutters. Even small leaks can create the damp conditions termites need.
  • Improve Drainage: Ensure water drains away from your home's foundation by installing downspouts and sloping your yard.
  • Use a Dehumidifier: In humid climates, dehumidifiers can help keep basements and crawl spaces dry.
  • Ventilate Crawl Spaces: Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture accumulation under your home.


Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact

Termites use soil as their primary travel route to reach wood. Eliminating direct wood-to-soil contact can help prevent future infestations.

  • Elevate Wooden Structures: Raise decks, fences, and other wooden features to keep them off the ground.
  • Install Barriers: Place physical or chemical barriers, like metal shields or treated wood, between wooden structures and the soil.
  • Store Wood Properly: Keep firewood and lumber at least 20 feet away from your house and elevate it off the ground.


Use Termite-Resistant Materials

When repairing or renovating your home, opt for materials that are less appealing to termites.

  • Pressure-Treated Wood: This type of wood is chemically treated to resist termites.
  • Composite Materials: Consider alternatives like concrete, steel, or vinyl for foundations and outdoor structures.
  • Borate Treatments: Apply borate-based sprays to wood to make it less attractive to termites.


Schedule Regular Inspections

Ongoing monitoring is essential to catch any signs of a new infestation before it becomes severe.

  • Professional Inspections: Hire a pest control expert to inspect your home annually or biannually.
  • DIY Monitoring Stations: Install termite bait stations around your property to detect activity early.
  • Check Vulnerable Areas: Regularly inspect crawl spaces, attics, and other hard-to-reach areas for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or damaged wood.


Apply Preventative Treatments

Preventative measures can create a barrier against termites and protect your home in the long term.

  • Soil Treatments: Treat the soil around your home with termiticides to deter subterranean termites.
  • Wood Treatments: Apply surface sprays or inject liquid treatments into wooden structures to protect them from termites.
  • Bait Systems: Install bait traps that lure termites away from your home and eliminate the colony.