Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Spring is here but, in the temperate climate of Nashville, Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas of middle Tennessee, the swarming season for termites already is under way. These wood-devouring insects become active as early as February in the Nashville area. That’s why you need to act now to safeguard against a possible infestation. To help, your Nashville termite control experts at Ameri Care Services have compiled this guide of seven termite prevention tips.
Tip 1: Clean up any loose wood
Fallen tree branches, construction debris, an errant piece of mulch, even a small handful of sawdust: all of it is potential food to a colony of termites. These insects are relentless, working – and eating – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in their colonies. Any wood or wood-type products that are touching the ground are potentially on the menu for termites, whether that wood is chemically treated or not.
Tip 2: Farewell to foam
As in foam board insulation, which attracts termites. Why? Termites are known for eating wood but they actually will consume any item that contains cellulose. That includes foam board insulation. If you have this type of insulation behind an exterior wall solution, it provides a shield for termites to do their work while they devour the foam board.
Tip 3: Dry out
The other factor that draws termites is moisture, especially if that moisture is saturating any areas of wood. Common sources of moisture that end up attracting termites include leaking pipes or appliances, condensation and poor drainage. Termites seek out moisture because moist wood has a higher concentration rate of cellulose.
Tip 4: Shore up your foundation
Even the tiniest crack in the foundation of your home can be the equivalent of an open door to tiny termites. These insects seek out such cracks because they’re already foraging underground for any organic material that contains cellulose. Once they discover a crack in the foundation and infiltrate your home, they’ve basically got access to an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Tip 5: Be diligent about debris
As in, construction debris. Any wood waste should be removed, whether that’s an entire piece of wood, a partial piece or sawdust. If you’re in the midst of renovations, you should know that certain construction crews opt to bury wood debris and foundation forms. Doing this just creates a new food source for any termites in the area, drawing them to your property.
Tip 6: Be mindful of your mulch
Mulch has a variety of benefits for a gardener but any form of wood mulch is a possible food source for termites. These voracious insects don’t care whether the mulch is treated, stained or colored; it’s wood, and that means it’s food. Make sure any mulch is at least 15-20 inches away from the foundation of any structure on your property.
Tip 7: Choose a professional pest company to provide termite control
There’s no 100% guarantee against termites or some other type of pest invading your home. However, your best defense against termites in Nashville is professional termite control, administered and overseen by a quality, experienced pest control company. We can send one of our technicians out to perform a termite inspection for your home. This includes a thorough investigation of your foundation, exterior walls and any basement or crawlspace. Each termite protection control contract comes with a termite warranty, which either covers the cost of re-treatment or any related termite damages that occur under warranty up to $50,000.
Don’t let termites wreak havoc on your home! To schedule a free consultation with one of the technicians at Ameri Care Services, call (615) 893-7111 or contact us online.