When you live in Texas, it goes without saying that there will be bugs. All kinds of bugs. Bed bugs, mosquitos, ants, etc. But there is one bug that is more destructive than others and difficult to get rid of. Termites. Termites may be small but they can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your Leander, TX home and you may not even realize it until it is done.

They are silent pests who hide in cracks and walls eating away at the frame of your house or structure. Once you have an active infestation the DIY methods at your local home improvement store won’t irradicate the problem. That is why it is important to control the problem with prevention.

Termite Prevention

There actually are things that homeowners can do to help prevent termites. While some things are out of your control, there are three preventative measures that are very much in your control.

Keep Wood Cleared Out

Wood is like a beacon for termites. If there is wood close to a structure or your home, be it trees, firewood, or brush termites will be happy to swarm there and make a mound. Once they are there it is hard to get rid of them so the best termite control method is prevention. So, take a walk around your house and see if you can find any wood that needs to be cleared out.

Seal Cracks Around Your House

Termites, while tiny and destructive, can’t go through solid, properly sealed walls. That is why it is important to make sure any cracks, even the smallest ones are sealed up. Cracks can happen over time to a home or structure so it is good to walk the perimeter every few months to make sure no new cracks have shown up. Taking the time to do this now will save you time and money later.

Have Professionals Out

Homeowners can do some inspecting themselves but with limited knowledge and experience, it would be easy to miss some important signs of termites or problem areas that need to be handled. That is why having a professional inspection once a year is a good idea. They are looking for the subtle signs that you might miss. They can also give you specific prevention tips for your particular situation.

Professional inspections and homeowner inspections go hand in hand. Together homeowners have a great chance of preventing termites altogether or catching an infestation early. Early detection and prevention are the keys to minimizing termite damage.

If you live in the Leander, TX area and think you could have a termite problem or perfect termite conditions, call the professionals at DM Pest Control to set up a termite inspection today.