The tropical environment and high humidity levels in the Philippines make it a perfect breeding place for termites. That’s why it’s critical to examine and maintain your home on a regular basis, especially if it’s made of wood, to avoid major damage and expenses in the future.
Before we go into the efficient ways to avoid termites in your home, let’s first know the early warning signs of a termite infestation.
- Winged swarmer termites around your lightbulb – Flying termites are different from flying ants. When flying ants gather around your lights, it could mean that termites are eating away at the wood in your home.
- Foul odor – Termites will leave fecal matter that emits an unwanted smell.
- Mud tubes – These are long tubular patterns that crawl up from your house’s foundation.
- Hollow-sounding wood – If your walls sound hollow when you tap on them, termites may have been eating on them in the last several weeks.
- Apparent structural damage – When termites have erupted in your home, you will notice the holes and crisp structure of the wooden sections of your property.
If the damage appears to be minor, you can still save what you can by contacting a reliable termite patrol. If you’re on a strict budget, this might be a hefty expense. So, to minimize termite damage, here are five simple techniques to keep termites out of your way.
Remove earth-to-wood contact
Termites swarm beneath the ground, so if wood components of your building come into direct contact with the ground, termite difficulties may occur. Make sure that the wood is at least six inches from the ground.
Avoid moisture near the foundation
Termites thrive on moisture, so if the ground near to the wooden platform is always damp, they are more likely to get infested. Water should be channeled away from the house using functional gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks. To ensure that no moisture builds near the foundation, keep an eye out for leaking pipes and air-conditioning units.
Prime or paint wood using borax
A borax compound is one of the most effective termite repellents. Boric acid, also known as borax, is a natural pesticide and wood preservative that is effective against termites and other wood-destroying insects. Before priming or painting, spray the borax mixture on the wood. It would prevent termites from invading and gnawing on the wood once it had soaked into it. After it has dried, you can prime and paint it as usual, and you can even use it to construct window frames, doors, and other furniture. It is environmentally friendly and harmless to humans, plants, and animals.
Dry infected items in the sun
Place the object in direct sunlight for at least three days if it can still be salvaged and used. This is especially useful in the summer when termites can’t take the heat. The heat from the sun will kill the termites and eliminate moisture from the furniture or object, decreasing the possibility of re-infestation. It may also be beneficial to use a termite spray before returning it to the house.
Having a reputable developer on your side can also provide you with the peace of mind you need when it comes to the upkeep and maintenance of your future home.
For more details and for your real estate needs, visit Elanvital Encalves or contact its sales at +63 9271440196.
