Building A New Home? 5 Ways To Prevent Termites Now

No homeowner wants to see their brand new house invaded by termites. And while you can take steps to control these damaging pests after you move in, can you do anything while still building the home? In fact, you can do a number of things to proactively keep termites away. Here are a few of the most important. 

1. Prevent Moisture. Termites need moisture to thrive and grow, so you can help reduce their numbers by denying this moisture. How? Good drainage around the home's exterior and yard move water away instead of letting it pool. Install good gutters with downspouts that send water away from the foundation. Ensure good ventilation in the attic and crawlspaces to reduce condensation. And use moisture barriers where needed. 

2. Consider Termiticide. A termiticide is a pest control measure that protects unaffected wood from invasion by termites. You may want to treat some of the house's wooden structures with this preventative chemical if you suspect that termites could become a problem later. 

3. Use Repellant Landscape. The landscape around your home will contribute to its protection. As with home design, landscape design should discourage standing water and should not get overgrown. Avoid wood mulch which provides termites with food. Move wood storage far away from the house. And plant species that naturally repel termites, such as marigolds, mint, or garlic. 

4. Consult with a Pro. Don't wait until you're finished building before consulting with a professional pest control service. Use their expertise during the design and construction phase to help identify potential problem areas like termite entry points, termite-attracting materials, or common causes of moisture. And by becoming familiar with your home from the ground up, they'll have more success with pest control maintenance later. 

5. Choose Termite-Proof Materials. Because termites generally need wood pulp to survive, you can reduce the likelihood of their invasion by choosing other materials. Concrete foundations are a great start, as they can't harbor termites. Install outdoor hardscape features made from non-organic materials like polished concrete, vinyl, tile, or brick. And protect common moisture spots, such as the air conditioner, with termite-resistant barriers. 

Where to Start

The more you include termite prevention when planning and building your new home, the less you'll have to worry about this problem later. Not sure where to begin? Start by meeting with a residential pest control company in your area today. No matter what stage of home design or construction you're in, they'll help you start off on the best foot for a termite-free home. 

Reach out to a company like A & B Termite & Pest Control to learn more.