Recommendations to Reduce Termite Attacks

TERMITES

• Keep a minimum of 1" of slab showing on your home for easy inspection and detection for termite tunnels, at any cost, for every inch above the minimum inch increases your odds by 10-20 not have an outside attack. Five (5) inches is the best scenario realizing 60% of all termite attacks occur from the perimeter.
• Control moisture. Do not over water - change the grade or install French drains to correct any standing water. Immediately repair leaking faucets, divert a/c drip lines away from the foundation. Inspect regularly sprinkler hedge risers and add extensions when needed as well as broken heads. Realizing moisture is the #1 attractant for termites.
• Correct any wood to ground conditions. Don't stack firewood on the ground and especially on the ground next to the house. As it relates to wooden fences, change to vinyl or metal if possible or at least use metal posts versus wood. If building a new wood fence, place it on concrete footers so it doesn't touch the ground. Don't bury end of pickets in the ground at any cost.
• Remove dead landscaping immediately, ie. shrubs or trees. I recommend stump grinding or removal.
• If performing home additions to exterior, like patio enclosures or rooms abutting existing structures, alter any wood to ground keeping new slab equal to or less than existing grade. Do not allow new slab to be higher than original slab and consider treating at least the expansion joint area before pouring new slab.
• Refrain from using any wood landscaping - use plastic, metal or concrete/stone.
• If remodeling plumbing areas inside (i.e. showers, tubs, etc.) consider preventative treatment to plumbing area and soil around plumbing before enclosure is completed.
• Avoid ground cover to climb structure and hinder easy inspection.
• Avoid raising soil line while adding flower beds
• Avoid using wood mulches but if you choose to us mulch do not use pine or hardwood. Only use cypress or cedar and avoid adding to it annually - remove old and add new.

GENERAL PESTS

• Flies and gnats = decomposition or organic matter. Find and remove the source so will you find and remove the problem. In summer time take trash out regularly and don't store in garage. Pick up animal feces regularly and dispose of in sealed container or away from structure.
• Fleas - Fleas cannot be controlled without animals being on program. A human cannot be a host. If you are going to have animals keep them on a program like Frontline Plus. You can get this through your vet or online at a great price. You should get in the habit of vacuuming with a flea collar in your vacuum cleaner. Seriously - cut up a flea collar in your bag or container and repeat as you empty or exchange.