Many Phoenix Termites customers wonder if they could have prevented their infestation. The answer is YES!
At NaturZone Pest Control, my Phoenix termites customers always wonder if there was anything they could have done to prevent their infestation. In fact, there are several ways to help prevent wood-destroying pests from eating your home. In this article we will go over a few simple things you can do, as well as one new service that can help you avoid getting these critters in your home.
Reduce Moisture
Subterranean termites live in the ground, and visit your home for food. They have very specific moisture requirements, which is why its imperative to reduce the moist earth near the home, or any structure. One way to keep the area dry is to not plant anything within 3 feet of the foundation.
Avoid Wood to Earth Contact
Wood to earth contact is one of the most inviting situations you can have on your property for Phoenix termites. Think about it. They live in the ground, and eat wood. It’s like having a Cold Stone Creamery right next door to your house. You’re gonna find yourself in there at some point!
Wood to earth contact often presents an added issue. The wood holds moisture in the earth. Try to keep firewood piles, lumber, plywood, etc. off of the ground. Also, never, ever, put a wood post for any structure directly in or on the ground.
Proper Grade
Having a proper grade basically means keeping the dirt under and around your foundation away from the structure of your home. If your home’s stucco is touching, or below the level of the earth, you’re practically ringing their dinner bell. Most homes need at least 6 inches or more between the ground and the stucco to improve your chances of preventing, or detecting, an infestation.
Termite Baiting
One fairly new option is a TBS (Termite Baiting System). Until recently, we have not recommended these systems, but we finally found one up to our standards. From the makers of Termidor (the industry standard in liquid termite treatment), a proven new system has been shown to cause colony collapse, and in most cases, prevented termites from even reaching the structure. The system is quite simple. It is a small, in-ground bait station installed every 10-15 feet around the perimeter of your home.
The bait is made of cellulose, and a termiticide. Cellulose is the part of the wood that the termites eat. The termiticide is actually a substance that prevents the termites from molting, and maturing. As more and more termites eat the bait, they can’t reproduce and the colony dies off.
This system even comes with the same renewable service warranty you’re used to seeing with our liquid termite treatments.
If you have any questions about Phoenix termites, treatments, baiting systems, or anything else bug and pest related, feel free to call our office at 602-476-1088 and ask for me, Jeffrey, or the owner of NaturZone, Bill. We’re always glad to answer questions, and have conversations.
Until then, thanks for reading!
A TBS Station installed in the ground. The top is only about 6 inches across.