Spring cleaning is a hallmark of the changing seasons from winter to spring. Many homeowners put on their work clothes, roll up their sleeves, and get busy cleaning, decluttering, and airing out their houses. August and September mark the unofficial transition of the seasons from hot, lazy days to the fast-paced school week. Families head to the store about this time to purchase new school supplies, clothes, and shoes. While putting crayons, paper, pens, and markers into new backpacks, why not start a new tradition? Now is a great time to celebrate back to school with a yard cleaning and termite treatment of your San Mateo home. Gather the family, grab some rakes and trash bags, and head outdoors for fresh air while making your home uninviting to wood-eating pests like termites. It’s a fantastic way to ensure your home is safe during this busy time.

Areas to Investigate and Clean Up to Ward Off Termites

As life returns to a school schedule, survey the area and clean up/prep to keep termites at bay. Here are five things to look at:

  1. Wood Piles: Look around your home for timber piles, especially around your foundation. Remove all lumber, wood, mulch, and other cellulose-based items from around it. Move firewood stacks to be at least 20 feet away from your home and other structures. Check your wooden fence for rot.
  2. Spruce Up Landscaping: Some plants entice termites and create a pathway to your home. Trim shrubbery to allow at least 12 inches between the plants and your home. Another upside to cutting back the bushes is the additional airflow that will help keep your house dry—something termites don’t
  3. Foundation: Crawlspaces, basements, and foundations often have moisture issues, which only entice wood-chewing bugs. Take a look at your gutters and downspouts. They should drain a few feet away from the foundation. Check your roofing and flashing for any water leaks.
  4. Gaps: The materials that make up your home, like wood, metal, concrete, and PVC, will shrink and expand over time. It’s part of settling. What often happens is that cracks and gaps appear, opening a highway straight to your walls. Look for gaps around water and gas lines and seal them with caulk or foam sealant. If you see rust, take a moment to double-check for cracks and seal them up as well.

Support Your Efforts – Get Regular Termite Inspections

Don’t let wood-destroying pests keep you from enjoying the new school year. Reach out to Times Up Termite for a free termite inspection. Our trained and experienced technicians will go through your house with a fine-tooth comb to root out any infestation. Then, they will present you with a report that includes recommended solutions. Some you may see include Altriset, an eco-friendly, reduced-risk pesticide for homes with pets, children, and pregnant moms. Another option may be Trelona bait traps by BASF. Learn more when you contact us today!

Call 510-568-7200 to speak with our team of experienced, licensed professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. about termite inspections and treatments. You can also contact us online to request a free termite inspection in San Mateo.