How To Protect Your Home From The Termites That Live In Rhode Island

Why You Can't Get Rid Of Termites On Your Own

When you discover active termites in your yard, you will want to eliminate those destructive insects. Before you take this step, you should know that termite control isn't easy. It is also not easy to tell when termite control fails because termites are so sneaky. While it is possible to see a termite swarm in your house, (which is certainly hard to miss), termites rarely appear inside. It is also bad news if you see swarmers inside. It means you've had a severe infestation for years. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to do your own termite control.

• There are many home remedies that promise to guard homes against termite damage. We're not going to get into them. We'll just quickly say that these are not backed by science and can not only fail but may also worsen your problem.
• Modern, professional termite control products promise a transfer effect. As termites groom each other, the product transfers. You may think that putting a liquid termiticide in the ground is all you need to do. You may think the worker termites will pass through the product and share it with the others and you'll have no more termite problems. We wish it were that simple. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can prevent your termite product from having success, such as weather conditions, not applying it deep enough, not applying enough, applying too much, etc.
• There is a new trend in termite control. It is the application of termite bait stations. While bait can successfully protect properties from termites, not all bait is created equal. The best bait solutions are only available to licensed pest management professionals.

If you attempt to protect your property with termite control products, stay vigilant to check for termite activity. Subterranean termites are incredibly adept at avoiding elimination.

Simple Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Home From Termites

The first layer of protection you can apply is to alter conditions in your yard that may lead you to have a termite infestation. Termite prevention is all about making your yard unappealing to termites. Don't worry, it will still be appealing to you. You're not going to have to ruin your curb appeal. The magic happens near and under the ground.

• Do you have a wooden fence? The older your fence gets, the more appetizing it becomes to termites. Consider replacing your fence with fencing that is resistant to termites, such as vinyl. It might sound strange, but modern vinyl fencing can look just like an old wood fence. You don't have to compromise the natural beauty of your property. 
• Do you have a back deck with wood posts that go into the ground? Those posts can provide a meal for termites and also allow worker termites to directly access the wood inside your home. We recommend putting deck posts on concrete supports.
• Do you have a wood skirt around your home and a crawlspace underneath? Wood-to-soil contact and a protected space, where light can't get in, are both strong attractants for termites and will inspire termite activity. Consider replacing your skirting with vinyl and getting your crawlspace encapsulated.
• Do you have firewood, scrap wood, or a brush pile? Store wood on a rubber mat so you're more able to see termite workers as they attempt to access the wood. When you pick up dead branches in your yard, put them in a container. These simple steps can make a big difference.
• Do you have a dying tree, stump, or log? It is a good idea to remove stumps and nurse unhealthy trees back to life.
• Do you have a clogged gutter or damp landscape vegetation? Damp conditions attract worker termites to your yard. Properly managed landscaping and a clear gutter system are essential.

It is hard work to prevent termites, but it is well worth your effort. Few things are as disheartening as finding termite damage when you're looking to retire and enjoy the fruits of your labor.