Tips To Protect Your Nashville Home from Termites

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses every year. In fact, termites are responsible for more structural damage than fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined. They primarily feed on wood but can damage paper, insulation, swimming pool liners, and filtration systems.

 

There are three main types of termites in the Nashville area: dry wood, subterranean, and Formosan.

 

Drywood termites live in small, self-contained colonies in dry wood. They do not need contact with the ground to survive and can often go undetected for years as they slowly eat away at the wood in your home. They typically infest furniture, wood paneling, and window/door frames.

 

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies and require contact with the ground to survive. They are the most common type of termite in the Nashville area and are responsible for most of the damage caused by these pests. They live and build their nests in the soil and tunnel through the ground to reach above-ground food sources, such as the wood in your home.

 

Formosan termites are a non-native species that was first introduced to the United States through the port of New Orleans. They are now found in most of the southeastern states, including Tennessee. Formosan termites are especially destructive and can quickly cause extensive damage to a home. They build large underground colonies, but they also create nests aboveground, allowing them to infest any type of wood in your home, including structural timbers.

 

 

Spring is the most active time of year for termites. As the weather warms up, they begin to swarm, looking for places to build their nests. If you live in an area that is prone to termites, it's important to take steps to protect your home from these destructive pests.

 

Here are a few tips to help keep termites away from your Nashville home:

 

1. Keep wood piles and other potential food sources away from your home. Termites are attracted to wood, so keeping any firewood, lumber, or mulch at least 20 feet from your house is important. If you have a deck or other wooden structure on your property, be sure to inspect it regularly for termites.

 

2. Eliminate moisture problems around your home. Termites are attracted to moisture, so it's important to keep your home dry. Inspect your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are draining properly and repair any leaks in your roof or foundation. If you have a crawl space, be sure to keep it well-ventilated.

 

3. Remove potential nesting sites from your property. Termites like to build their nests in dark, moist places. If you have any unused storage sheds or other outbuildings on your property, be sure to remove any potential nesting materials, such as wood scraps, leaves, and debris.

 

4. Regularly inspect your home for signs of termites. If you notice any mud tubes or wood damage, it's important to contact a professional pest control company right away. A trained exterminator can properly identify the problem and develop a plan to get rid of the termites.

 

Following these simple tips can help keep termites away from your home and avoid the costly damage they can cause.