A homeowner in Northern California is constantly faced with the threat of termite infestations damaging not only what is in the house, but, in severe cases, causing structural damage to the building itself. These wood-eating insects cause billions of dollars of damage across the U.S. each year, and Northern California is a part of the country that suffers badly. Spotting the signs of termite infestation requires training and expert knowledge which is why so many homeowners only realize they have a problem when the damage has become extensive and the repair bills very high. Termite control is a complex and technical business – for example, drywood termite solutions are different from subterranean termite treatment and not knowing exactly what kind of infestation has occurred and how to deal with it can lead to even more problems and damage. 

Keeping Termites at Bay – The Basics 

• Control Moisture: Termites love damp environments. A broken pipe, leaking roof, or cracked gutter will allow moisture to collect and inadvertently invite termites to take up residence. Once they arrive and quench their thirst, they will start to hunt for the wood they have to eat to survive. Keeping parts of the house prone to dampness, like basements, crawl spaces, and attics well-ventilated and sealing up possible sources of water ingress will help keep the insects out of your home.
• Check Drainage: Is the grading proper so that the rainwater flows away from the foundations of the house? If water stagnates around the foundation, it will not only weaken the structure, it also provide the environment termites need to create colonies. If this kind of problem is present, installing a drainage system to carry water away from the foundations, putting in a sump pump to extract water, and repairing damaged water and sewer lines will help keep the foundation dry.
• Use Termite-Resistant Wood: Termites survive by eating wood so using termite-resistant wood in the home will deny them their food source and make the house less attractive to them.
• Keep Wood Debris Away from the House: Wood debris from landscaping work, or that which collects from cleaning out the garden, should be kept as far away as possible from the house until it can be finally disposed of. This kind of wood scrap is an open invitation to termites to take up residence and from the outside, they will quickly find their way into the house.

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Also Read :  Drywood Termites Swarming: How to Safeguard Your House

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Keeping Your Home Safe

These tips will help make your home less attractive to termites and reduce the risk of an infestation. However, these and other actions that homeowners can take will not ensure that termites will not get into the house. For complete security from termite infestations and the resulting damage and high repair costs, the only course of action is to use a professional termite control service to eliminate termites from a house and then use annual termite inspections to keep the pests away. At HiTech Termite Control we are proud of our reputation for providing the best termite control and prevention which is why we back up our work with a three-year full-structure warranty with our microwave system or tent fumigation. Visit our website to learn more and to get a free estimate.

 Frequently Asked Questions

 1. Why is termite control more challenging in Northern California? 

 The climate in Northern California creates ideal conditions for termites, making infestations more common and harder to manage.

 2. What is the difference between drywood termite solutions and subterranean termite treatment? 

 Drywood termites require specific treatments like fumigation, while subterranean termites need treatment focused on their colonies in the ground.

 3. How can I prevent termite infestations in my home? 

 Control moisture, improve drainage, use termite-resistant wood, and keep wood debris away from the house to reduce termite attraction.

 4. Why are annual termite inspections important? 

 Annual termite inspections help detect early signs of termites, preventing extensive damage and expensive repair costs.

 5. Does professional termite control offer long-term protection? 

 Yes, professional services offer warranties and continuous inspections to ensure your home remains termite-free.

 6. Can termite-resistant wood prevent infestations? 

 Yes, using termite-resistant wood makes your home less attractive to termites and can significantly reduce the risk of infestations.

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