Renovations Can Lead to Infestations!
Spring and summer are popular times for indoor or outdoor home renovations. Are you planning any home upgrades this year? You may not know it, but some projects can inadvertently lead to increased termite activity or invite a damaging infestation into your home!
Which projects need extra termite attention and consideration?
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a great way to keep your home warm, but it can also prevent termites from being detected! The insulation covers interior foundation walls, sill plate, header board, and sometimes the joists or subfloor. This makes it impossible to inspect for signs of termite activity. If you’re getting spray insulation anywhere in your home, make sure the area is inspected for termites first!
Finishing a Basement
It’s no secret that most people prefer carpets and drywall to cement floors and visible studs. Just like the spray foam insulation, however, covering up the studs and joists can hide the most important termite inspection areas from view. This makes it extremely difficult to catch an infestation early!
Sealing a Crawl Space
In recent years, many building professionals have begun to recommend that crawl spaces be completely sealed off from the exterior air. If you don’t allow any airflow, however, it can prevent the wood from drying out. Wet wood will eventually become soft and start to rot. This is the perfect environment for termite activity to flourish. Consider installing vents, and screen doors on hinges, rather than solid doors or panels.
Mulch too Close to Home Siding
A fresh layer of mulch can make the exterior of any home look sharp. However, it can also become a breeding ground for termites. The primary purpose of mulch is to seal in moisture and damp wood chips provide a tasty food source for a termite infestation. If you put mulch down that touches your siding (or worse, covers it), termites can enter your home without you being any the wiser. When mulching, it’s okay to mulch against your foundation, but be sure to keep 6-8″ of clearance between mulch and home siding.
Beware of termites during home renovations and landscape projects this year! If you’ve seen signs of termite activity, call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home and workplace pest-free!
