Termites can be a costly and damaging issue for homeowners, often going undetected until they cause major problems within your home. Fortunately, there is help! Our company specializes in crawl space encapsulation which helps prevent these pests from coming into the house. Keep reading to learn how crawl space encapsulation can prevent termites from making a meal of your home.
What Attracts Termites to Your Crawl Space?
Termites can be a problem for homeowners, especially those who live in areas that are humid or damp. The most common types of termite found at home here in North Carolina include the eastern subterranean and Formosan subterranean breeds. These bugs tunnel up from the ground in pursuit of food. They feed on cellulose-based materials like wood, dead plants, cardboard, paper and even cellulose-based insulation.
The soil in your crawl space is often damp and dark, which makes it an ideal environment to nurture wood-loving insects like termites or centipedes. However, if you take the proper steps you can keep this area free from pests while mitigating other risks to your home.
How to Prevent Termites From Flooding Your Crawl Space
There are a few simple steps you can take on your own to keep termites out of your crawl space.
Prevent Moisture From Getting into Your Home’s Foundation
Water can damage your home’s foundation, so keeping the area around this clean and dry is important. Make sure that gutters are flowing freely with water directed away from your home to prevent any flooding water pooling up.
Reduce Wood to Soil Contact When Possible
The best way to keep termites out is by ensuring a good distance between your home and any wood sources. For example, if you have siding made of pine boards installed six inches into soil in this type of environment then chances are high that these insects will make their way into the structure. Rake mulch back several inches from the foundation. if your home has wood siding or a wooden porch, dig the soil back a bit to create a break between the wood and the soil.
It takes a professional to understand all the weak spots that you need to keep in mind, so give Crawl Space & Basement Technologies for an inspection.
Minimize Termite Food Sources Around Your Home
If want to prevent termites from entering your crawl space, don’t give them a buffet! Make sure there are at least 12 inches of space between your home and any shrubs or plants. Be sure to keep any firewood piles several feet away from the house. Not only would this help prevent termites, but it also can help keep other pests like spiders and mice from entering your crawl space and home.
Professional Crawl Space Encapsulation Can Keep Termites Out for Good!
If you truly want to protect your crawl space from termites, you need help from the professionals. While a pest control company can provide you with treatments to prevent them, often, their warranties are void if they detect high levels of moisture within the crawl space.
Vapor barriers are often suggested as a way to solve moisture problems, but they’re not always enough. In North Carolina, where high humidity and outdoor moisture can seep into your foundation from the ground underneath, it’s important that you have an even stronger solution than just a vapor barrier installed on top of dirt for protection against water damage.
Crawl space encapsulation is a comprehensive sealing method that doesn’t just block ground evaporation, it seals vents, pipes, and the walls, as well as the floor to create a clean, dry space under your home. By cutting off unwanted air, eliminating moisture, and blocking access into the crawl space, you can feel confident that the space will be termite-free, especially when paired with termite prevention from a local pest control company.
Schedule a Free Crawl Space Encapsulation Estimate Today
If you’re concerned about termites, or if you can’t get a termite warranty on your home due to excessive crawl space moisture, we can help. We have an experienced team who can seal your crawl space completely, stopping moisture and humidity from attracting pests and termites as well as helping prevent mold and wood rot. To learn more about crawl space encapsulation and determine if this step is right for you, reach out to us today at 919-847-7072 or fill out our easy-to-use contact form on our website.
