Horseback Riding Ranch Estates For Sale

How Water Can Attract Termites to your Home

Termites are a concern for homeowners in every state except Alaska. These destructive insects can slowly destroy the structure of a home, eating the very wood it's made of and inflicting serious damage that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes even requiring the destruction of the structure if the termites are allowed to stay unchecked. While termite eradication can be expensive, a few simple precautions can help prevent this; many of the typical preventive measures involve reducing or eliminating moisture and water near the foundations of the house.

The most common types of termites are the Formosan termite and the Eastern subterranean termite. Formosan termites, found chiefly in the Southern US, are subterranean termites that may nest either in the soil or in the wood of a structure. The brown reproductive termites swarm in the evening during May to July. Colonies of Formosan termites are large, with up to 5 million individuals. Therefore, they destroy wood faster than the Eastern subterranean termite. The more widespread Eastern subterranean termites live in smaller colonies and therefore tend to take longer to inflict damage. During the spring, the reproductives swarm and leave the colony. The reproductives are black and have a thick waist, their antennae are straight and both pairs of wings are the same length. These termites feed on wood, but nest in the soil, constructing mud tubes from their nests to the wood in structures.

Both of these varieties of termites depend on moisture for their sustenance, and build their nests in areas that have abundant moisture for their building and nourishment means. The pencil shaped tubes that they use to climb from the soil into the structure of a house are made of mud and must be kept moist, so eliminating excess moisture is crucial for termite prevention.

The first measure to implement is to remove any direct contact between structural or decorative wood and the ground. Any wood in contact with the earth tends to soak in moisture and become a magnet for the insects. Overhangs, decorative lattice work (typically used under porches and decks, and over the openings to crawl spaces), and support posts should be cut loose from the ground or given some kind of concrete footing, so that wood that has become moist from rain or run off does not attract termites. Reducing and eliminating the water in the ground directly around the foundation is the next critical step. Putting in a slope to allow water to flow out from the house is crucial; homeowners should also consider the possibility of adding a concrete skirt around the foundation. Gutters and downspouts should be kept on good repair and adjusted to direct water as far out from the foundation as possible, and sources of dripping water such as air conditioners should be set up so that any standing puddles are eliminated. Splash blocks (which disperse water when it strikes the surface) are useful for this purpose.

While many homeowners use mulch, ground cover, and various forms of pea stone and gravel around their foundations for its beauty and practicality, these are an open invitation to termites. All of these substances serve to trap moisture and water under the surface, providing an ideal medium for termites. Mulch itself is not particularly attractive as a food substance to termites, but it holds water that attracts them. Contrary to popular belief, stone and gravel covers hold as much water under the ground as mulch, so this is not a useful alternative. If gravel or crushed stones are used, the cover should be no more than 2-3 inches deep, and there should be no contact between the gravel and the siding or wood components of the house.

Crawl spaces are prime staging ground for termites. Most building codes call for 1 square foot of vent opening per 150 square feet of crawlspace area. Moisture in crawl spaces can further be reduced by installing 4-6 ml polyethylene sheeting over about 75 percent of the soil surface. This cover will act as a barrier to evaporation from the soil and help prevent condensation of moisture on joists and sub flooring. If a crawlspace has a polyethylene vapor barrier, the total vent area often can be reduced to 1 square foot per 300 to 500 square feet of crawlspace area. There should be one vent within 3 feet of each exterior corner of the building. As with gutters and downspouts, vents should be kept free of leaves, dirt, and other debris, and should not be obstructed by vegetation. Although a homeowner can install these barriers themselves, it is not an easy job, and such vents and vapor barriers can be installed by most pest control companies.

Craig Smith is a freelance writer who writes about issues pertaining to house maintenance such as http://www.terminix.com/services/pest/ Termite Control | Termite

MORE ARTICLES:

Simplicity with Your Home Wall Decor
I can still picture my roommate as she lay stretched out on the floor, rummaging through a pile of Martha Stewart magazines. It was our mutual friend's birthday and we preferred to deliver our own personalized birthday gifts.

Software Tutorials: Training For Job, School Or Home
Have you ever wished that you had taken more computer classes when you were in school? Or maybe there weren't computer classes when you were in school! Do you wish that you were more proficient with basic Microsoft programs like Excel and PowerPoint? Do you wish you could make your papers, reports, presentations look as professional as your coworkers or competition? Where to you go? Where do you find the time? How costly is this kind of training? Does it involve a lot of boring reading? Continue reading to find out about software tutorials -- the solution to all of your problems.

Freelance Writing Home Business - 5 Tips To A Top Income
Want to start your own freelance writing home business You can

Unusual Points of View
Most writers are familiar with first and third points of view and their variations. But have you ever experimented with alternative points of view? Below are some less used points of view, what I call "unusual points of view.

Home Security Alarm Monitoring - How Do YOu Choose The Right Company?
So after months of thinking about installing a home security system you have finally decided that you will go ahead with the purchase. Congratulations, but if you thought actually deciding to get a security system was a difficult process then just wait until it comes time to select the security firm to be responsible for your home security alarm monitoring.

Your Home Based Business Can Be A Real Time Trap
The reasons people express for wanting to work from home are many and varied, but most home based business owners cite the ability to set their own hours as a major factor in their decision to work at home. However, many people that have work at home businesses often fall into a trap that flies directly in the face of their stated desire for time flexibility.

Securing Home Water Supplies; Conservation of Water Planning
Generally when it rains the water runs off the house and yards into the gutter and into pipes or storm drains which feed it into the river, stream or ocean. This conventional approach is problematic in that many of the countries regions are in severe drought.

Long Distances Bike Riding
When planning for long-distance bike ride you will require good preparation, following are few of the stuff you need to carry and be alert in following them. You will require:

Home Air Filters: Knowing Which One to Choose
Since air filters are one of the bests tools for eradicating allergens from your home, more people are using them than ever before. The trick is to find the one that works best for you, depending upon your specific needs.

Home Remedies For Weight Loss
Are you looking for the best weight loss products and treatments Or maybe the "world best weight loss products"

Find the Best Home Remedies for Snoring
Do you think home remedies for snoring are the solution to help you sleep better?

Racing the Competition
What is the Big Race all about when it comes to creating relationships?The big race is simply the ability to win the deal on a consistent basis. You will need to perfect your message, be able to state it clearly and precisely, and follow up relentlessly.

From Living Room to Home Theatre in Less Than 30 Seconds With the New Beamax In-Ceiling Projection Screen Range
Beamax introduces an in-ceiling projection screen that doesn't spoil the design of a living room, yet transforms the room into a home theatre in less than 30 seconds. Available immediately through Beamax resellers, the in-ceiling projection screen is aimed at those who want to make the most of high definition projection and the design of their living room.

Grand Ideas, The Destination For Home Furnishings, Goes Live
Grand Ideas.com is a retailer of quality home furnishings, bathroom products, bedroom products and collectables from an extensive range for all the family.