Termites are destructive pests that should be eliminated as soon as you notice signs of their presence, given their capacity to cause significant damage to your home and belongings. And despite not posing as big of a health risk as other dangerous pests like rats and mosquitoes, their presence can still cause several health problems for some people. If your home is currently termite-free and you intend to stay that way, the following are the best practices to keep termites at bay.

Best practices for a termite-free home

Termite control at home in Singapore starts with learning about termite habitats. Three types of termite species are found in the country: subterranean termites, drywood termites, and dampwood termites. The former two pose the most significant concern to humans.

To prevent subterranean termites, you must close off areas of contact between soil and wood in sections of your home that make the key entry points that lead to an infestation. The steps below are some effective methods to reduce this soil-to-wood contact.

• Remove all wood, lumber, paper, cardboard, mulch, and other cellulose-based debris around the house’s foundation.
• Create at least a 4-inch or 10-cm barrier between your home and the surrounding mulch. Only the concrete foundation should touch the soil as much as possible.
• Regularly check for infested or rotting wood if you have a wooden fence surrounding your home. You should also stain the wood to discourage termites from turning your fence into their nest.

Even though drywood termites don’t inflict damage as quickly as subterranean termites, they can be more challenging to spot and have the potential to cause substantial damages before detection. Therefore, it is crucial for every homeowner to stay watchful in safeguarding their property against these infestations. Here are the preventative measures to avoid inviting drywood termites into your residence:

• Seal cracks and crevices

In contrast to subterranean termites, which infiltrate homes through the ground and constructed mud tunnels, drywood termites typically access residences from above-ground sources during swarming events – think tiny gaps and holes in doors or windows. They also have the ability to fly in through windows, making even high-rise apartments and upper-level rooms susceptible to infestation. To prevent their entry, it is advisable to seal all openings, including vents and windows, with screens or a termite mesh made of steel that these drywood termites cannot penetrate.

• Safeguard your wooden assets

If possible, decrease the accessibility of your wooden furniture and structures to drywood termites by applying paint or stain. Additionally, you can use anti-termite treatment solutions before sealing the wood with varnish. Ensuring that any nail holes, cracked paint, and similar openings are properly treated and sealed will minimise potential entry points for drywood termites to access your wooden possessions.

• Exercise care in wood selection

Certain wood types are less appealing to termites, such as redwood, eucalyptus, cypress, and cedar. Opting for these wood varieties for your furniture or home structures can enhance your defence against termite infestations. Another effective strategy is to consider pressure-treated wood, which is treated with chemicals to deter decay and repel termites.

Conclusion

Although the tips above can help significantly with termite prevention, it is always best to engage in professional termite inspection in Singapore for your residence to better catch the early warning signs of an infestation.

If you are concerned about termites in your home, feel free to contact us at PestClinic. Our pest control specialists can help you thoroughly check for the presence of termites and provide the best strategy to quickly deal with an infestation problem. Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services.