Preventing Winter Termite Infestations In Eastern Tennessee Homes

The nice thing about living in Eastern Tennessee is that we get to experience all four seasons without experiencing the extremes of weather in other areas. Yes, summer does get hot, while our winters are mild. Spring and fall are both beautiful.

The problem with living in Eastern Tennessee is that along with our mild winters we end up with pest problems that last throughout the year. Pests that live underground can survive cooler temperatures. This means we must be on our guard against them no matter the season.

Termites are one kind of pest we need to the lookout for in the winter. Their colonies are deep enough underground that they can survive the colder months. If the colony is close enough to our homes, termites will benefit from the heat emanating from our foundation, allowing them to easily remain active all through the winter season. There is a good chance they will end up inside our homes and, in that climate-controlled environment, they can work at full capacity twelve months a year.

The Damage Termites Cause

When we say you don’t want termites in your home, it’s not just because they’re bugs and no one likes the idea of bugs in their house. Termites are some of the most destructive pests on the planet, causing $5 billion in damage to homes in the United States alone every single year. When termites get into your house, they dig tunnels and build new nesting sites within the beams of your home. Given enough time, termites can ruin entire sections of your home. They may even cause dangerous structural damage, making your home unlivable until repairs are made.

How to Prevent Termites from Getting Inside Your Eastern Tennessee Home

Certain conditions can make your residence more attractive to termites. Consider the following when trying to keep them out of your home:

• Termites prefer water-damaged wood. Be sure to repair any water leaks or broken pipes immediately. Replace any wood that is damaged in the process, including the wood inside and outside your home.
• Any wood that has direct contact with soil acts as a beacon for termites. Fences are often attacked by termites. Consider alternatives for any wood-to-soil contact. Replacing a wooden fence with a composite material, and using crushed stone instead of mulch in your landscaping may be a satisfactory compromise.
• Since termites seek moist living conditions, make sure your home has good ventilation and that outside drainage systems are in proper working order.

The Best Way to Keep Termites from Getting Indoors

Even with these prevention methods, termites still sometimes manage to gain entry to your home. Your best bet to ensure year-round termite protection is to install a termite prevention system.

Russell’s Pest Control provides the Sentricon® System with Always Active™. It is scientifically proven to eliminate current termite infestations and prevent the occurrence of future invasions. If you’re not sure whether termites have taken up residence in your home, give Russell’s a call. We will conduct a detailed inspection and discuss Sentricon® with Always Active™ with you to determine whether it meets your needs.

Call us for more information or to set up your first inspection. We are here to serve you!