Seasons come and go year after year. There is the holiday season when people decorate their homes. There is spring cleaning season when homeowners declutter and clear out any remnants of winter. Then there is the termite season. It’s the time of year when wood-chewing insects are the most active. They send out mating pairs to find new places to set up a colony and get busy expanding their reach. Unfortunately, your home may be the place where the lovebirds decide to build their home.

These colonies will grow exponentially in a few short years until they number in the thousands. They love cool, moist environments and will consume any wood or cellulose-containing items. However, you can prepare for ‘termite season’ through some simple steps and regular termite inspections of your Alameda home.

Steps to Reduce the Chance of a Termite Infestation

You can take a strong stand against these homewreckers that cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Move the firewood. Termites love wood, even the logs you were hoping to use for a romantic fire in the fireplace. You can still have your stack of firewood by keeping it away from your home. The bugs will find a way in if the pile is resting against your house.
  2. Rethink mulching your landscape beds. Mulch is an excellent way to enhance your landscape beds. Yet, using mulch can often be that ‘Welcome’ doormat for termites. They will find the mulch as an appetizer to the main course – your home. If you choose to use mulch, including pine needles, it is recommended to keep it at least four inches from the foundation.
  3. Keep trees trimmed. Untrimmed limbs may become superhighways for termites to travel to your house. Keeping them at least five feet away from your home prevents them from using tree branches as off-ramps.
  4. Repair cracks in the foundation. The tiniest crack is big enough for a termite to pass through. Prevent that by repairing cracks in your foundation, including holes, gaps, and crevices.
  5. Limit moisture. These wood-boring bugs love moisture. Some species require moisture to breathe. So, they seek it out. Repair any water leaks in and around your home. Also, check your crawl space’s humidity levels and ensure adequate ventilation.

Add Regular Termite Inspections to Your Termite Season Preparations

You can enjoy a bug-free home all year long when you have Times Up Termite inspect your Alameda home. Our technicians will comb through every nook and cranny, looking for evidence of an infestation. We understand how termites function and the best methods of eradicating them. For example, we offer an eco-friendly, reduced-risk pesticide called Altriset, which is excellent for homes with children, pets, or pregnant moms. We also recommend Trelona bait traps by BASF to rid your home of wood-chewing pests. Get ahead of termite season—schedule your free inspection today!

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