Although not all methods for termite elimination can be safely and effectively conducted on your own, there are options for do it yourself termite protection. If you really do not want to be bothered by termite problems, then you should try to prevent the problem. Do it yourself termite protection is your first line of defense.



Clear Your Area of Debris

What you can do is to clear the area of debris. Debris made of cardboard, wood, paper or any other wood based items should not be stored underneath or near your house. Wooden ladders and wood piles should also not touch the sides of your house. These items may absorb or collect moisture and come into contact with other parts of your house. These wood based products are ideal initial food sources for termites from which the insects may eventually move on to your property.

Check Wooden Parts

Ideally wooden structures should be kept some inches off the ground. This is a simple do it yourself termite protection pre construction tip. You simply have to eliminate wood to earth contact to reduce your chances of attracting termites. If you really want to have a wooden fence or trellis that touches the soil fully, then make sure that they are erected far from your house's foundation or main structure. You should also regularly check trellises and fences for signs of termite infestation.

Eliminate Moisture

In order to survive, subterranean termites need a moist environment. You can help reduce the moisture in your soil and on the wood of your house by regularly checking the sources of moisture. Defective gutters; leaking faucets, pipes, air conditioning units; and sprinklers that are too near your house may moisturize the soil and wood enough to promote the survival of termite colonies.

Aside from checking for defects, make sure too that everything that has water and moisture drains away from your house and surrounding soil. This may include water from air conditioning units, sinks, dish or clothes washers and driers.

Keep Plants and Trees Away

Your do it yourself termite protection plan should always include your garden and shrubbery. Plants and trees may offer both moisture and food to termites. If you should have plants around your house, then make sure that they are located at a distance from your house and that no branches touch the wooden areas of your house.

Choose Treated Wood

Use treated wood for the wooden parts of your home in order prevent termite infestation. Borate treated wood for example can help keep termites from eating up the wood.

Have Inspections

To make sure that your termite protection methods are effective, have experts regularly check your property for any infestation. Remember that even if you have been very cautious, termites are particularly stubborn and they may still get around your do it yourself termite protection methods. Actual infestations are also not easy to detect because you may not see actual termites until damage has been done. Let the experts take a look at your house from time to time.