Connor's Tips: Top Ten Tips to Protect Yourself from Termites

1. Eliminate persistently moist soil near your home as this is where termites thrive.
2. Do something about troublesome moisture inside your home. This is usually caused by overflow from hot water system, leaking pipes, or poorly maintained gutters, roofs, and drainage systems.
3. Broken seals in foundations and patios need to be repaired, and the cracks need to be filled. These broken seals and cracks are an easy way for termites to get in.
4. Repair any water leaks or dripping outside faucets.
5. Move all wood scraps and debris as far away from the wood structures as possible. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard.
6. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with vapor barriers and vents.
7. Eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain an 8-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.
8. Use woods that are termite-resistant. Popular ones include redwood, juniper, and cedar. These woods aren't termite-proof, but they are a less attractive food source for them.
9. Do NOT mess with any termite colonies you find on your property. This is a very common cause of infestation. If you try to eliminate a colony found in wood near your home, the colony will try to move - and it often moves right into your home. If you ever find a colony on your property, you should have it treated professionally.
10. Have your house inspected regularly - at least once a year. Regular inspections will catch colonies before they are fully developed and able to cause severe damage to your home.