If you have been finding small piles of wood dust lying around in several places in your house, it could be a sign of a termite infestation. When small in number, termites may not appear like a big deal. However, when an infestation forms, it can destroy the furniture and structure of your house. 

One of the reasons why termites are considered a big problem is that they cannot be detected until a good amount of damage has already been done. Since thousands of termites live together in a colony, it can be challenging to get rid of them using DIY methods. In such cases, calling Treasure Valley pest control becomes crucial. 

Termite prevention tips 

• Reduce soil-to-wood contact around your house. 

Termites love wood, as you might already know. They are attracted to places wherever they find wood. When you keep wood on the ground/soil, termites can easily crawl up and then enter your house. The main area from where termites enter is your home’s foundation. Here are some tips to follow. 

• Keep firewood away from your home.
• Check for infested wood in your wooden fencing. 
• Remove all mulch, paper, cardboard, lumber, wood, etc., from around the foundation.
• Create a 4-inch barrier between mulch and your home.

• Get rid of moisture. 

Termites love moisture. Moisture is one of the main reasons why pests enter houses. Getting rid of moisture will not only keep termites at bay but various other pests as well. If the area around your house is naturally humid, investing in a good dehumidifier may help. During the summers, you can periodically use the air conditioner to remove excess moisture from the indoor air. 

• Declutter your home. 

Clutter is one of the main reasons people in Treasure Valley have pest infestations in their homes. When you have clutter in your house, detecting these pests and insects can become even more challenging. A clutter of cardboard boxes, papers, and other things provides the best hiding places for termites. To prevent this, declutter your house every week and do not let things pile up for a long time. 

• Keep plants away from your home. 

If you keep plants in your home, you must have a keen interest in them. While it is good to add some natural greenery to your indoors, they can also provide a pathway for termites. Plants can also make it difficult to detect signs of damage in the foundation. To prevent this, take the following steps. 

• Keep your shrubs trimmed.
• Keep the grass short and rake regularly.