Throughout the year, homeowners take steps to maintain their homes. For example, we look at gutters, rooflines, and landscaping to see if anything needs to be cleaned, repaired, or pruned. We follow similar steps with our vehicles because we understand the importance of regular maintenance and getting items fixed as soon as possible. There is another area that you can take proactive steps to ward off future repair bills. You can conduct a quick DIY termite inspection of your San Ramon property.

Areas to Check and Call in A Professional Termite Service

If you haven’t paid attention to specific areas around your property, you may be surprised at what you find. Termites have a way of sneaking into our everyday lives and turning them upside down. While it is vital to utilize the services of a pest control professional, do you know when it is time to call them in? Using these steps is a good start:

  1. Start Outdoors: As you are doing regular yard work, follow these steps to look for signs of wood-boring pests:
    1. Look for Limbs – Take some time to look at your trees. Are there limbs that look like they are dying and ready to fall? Do you have some decaying logs on your property? Termites seek out moist, decaying wood to feast on. Any wood, including firewood, is an open invitation for these pests to move in and set up residence. If you find anything like this, it is a good idea to move the wood at least 20 feet away from your home.
    2. Take a Peek in Your Gutters – It’s always a good idea to keep your gutters debris-free. It can save your roof and your foundation, but it also thwarts any attempts by termites to make a meal of your home. Be sure that your downspouts are directing water away from your house, also.
    3. Be on the Lookout for Mud Tubes – You may think of these as types of ‘tunnels’ in which these wood-eating bugs travel. Often, they are located on your foundation, door casings, porch, patio, and pipes. Look for a dirt tube that is about ¼ to 1 inch in diameter and is flat.
    4. Move Mulch Away from Your Foundation – Use a rake to pull back mulch from the foundation as it creates an easy path for termites. You may consider replacing it with something a little less appetizing for these hungry pests.
  2. Turn Your Sights Indoors: Once you check the outside, go inside and look for these items:
    1. Baseboard or Drywall Damage:Termites like eating their way into drywall because it is partially made of cellulose. Look for any damage or hollowsounds when you knock on wood.
    2. Water Damage: Look under cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom for potential leaks. You can even check around your toilet, tub, or shower. The moisture is alluring to these pests.

Get Complete Pest Protection – Call in the Professionals at Times Up Termite

Keep an eagle eye out for the evidence of these pests, and then call the team at Times Up Termite for a free termite inspection. We will come in, thoroughly inspect, and give you options to make your home termite-free. We even offer an effective eco-friendly, reduced-risk pesticide called Altriset. It is often chosen for San Ramon homes with pregnant moms, children, or pets.  Learn more when you contact us today.

Call 510-568-7200 to speak with our team of knowledgeable, licensed professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc.You can also contact us online to request a free termite inspection in the San Ramon area.