little boy playing in a swimming pool in summer

With warmer weather and longer days, you are probably thinking about fun things to do outdoors, extended weekend trips, and planning a vacation with your kids. However, before you head off to enjoy your favorite summertime activities and destinations, don’t forget to protect your home against termites.

If you noticed what appeared to be flying ants around your home this spring, and even recently, these could indicate the presence of subterranean and Drywood termites. Subterranean termites live in the ground and will build mud-like tubes on the sides of your home to remain hidden.
Drywood termites, on the other hand, can live above ground. They build their colonies inside wood that provides a steady supply of food, like wood inside of the home, such as furniture. To ensure your home does not get infested with termites this summer, here are five great tips!

Inspect Your Wooden Furniture, Deck, and Swing Set.

Termites will make small pin-like holes in the wood they are destroying. If you notice these in any outdoor wooden items or areas you and your family use, then you will want to call a termite company for further inspection and treatment. If the wood is not infested, you should make sure it is sealed with a quality outdoor paint and/or sealant.

Create a Barrier to Block Entry into Your Home.

There are indoor and outdoor termite treatments that can help create a barrier to stop termites. You should also verify there are no gaps, cracks, or other areas around the base of the home that need to be sealed.

Store Firewood Away from the Home and off the Ground.

Firewood stacked next to your home, garage, or shed is just inviting termites to move in. Make sure you keep firewood several feet away. It should also be elevated off the ground on metal or concrete racks.

Perform Regular Yard Landscaping and Maintenance.

Keep bushes and trees trimmed back so they are not overhanging or touching the home. If you have dead or dying trees or shrubs, remove them from the property right away. However, if they are already infested with termites, leave them alone and call a termite exterminator. Taking away the food source will not get rid of the termites. It will just cause them to look for another source—like your house.

Around the exterior of the home do not use wooden mulch, as this is a source of wood for termites. You can use recycled rubber mulch, instead, to help landscape around the home.

Have Your Home Inspected Every 3-5 Years for Termites.

Termites never sleep, so, even if you do not have them right now, it does not mean they cannot become your worst nightmare in the future. Regular home inspections will help identify current colony locations and allow you to take preventative measures to control populations and keep your home safe.

Pest Control Termite Inspection

The things to remember are that termites are a problem in the Bay Area, and no home is 100% safe without the proper protection and termite treatments. For more information about termites or to schedule an inspection of your home, please feel free to contact MightyMite Termite Services at 408-377-3761 today!