Key Tips That Every New Homeowner Needs To Know About Termite Prevention When Walls Are Shared With A Neighbor
Although the scariest thing to hear as a new homeowner is that your home has termites, a very close second is often that a neighbor with whom you share walls has termites. Since there is no way for you to know what might happen to your neighbor's home in the future or how quickly they might address a termite problem, it's essential to be proactive in preventing an infestation of those destructive creatures. Therefore, every responsible homeowner needs to be aware of and apply the following advice for preventing termites from settling in.
Make Your Home And The Area Immediately Around It Unattractive To Termites After A Thorough Investigation
It is important to remember that termites are often found in areas that are easily accessible and that provide the nutrients and moisture they need to stay alive. While wood is the obvious spot to watch for them, it's best not to disregard the areas where you might have plumbing issues, as those spaces may also seem homey. Tree houses, guest homes and similar items in your yard should be inspected, as well as wooden shingles.
In addition, take a few minutes to examine any remaining pieces of wood left over from last winter. Assuming they are free of termites AND don't show any previous damage, this is a good opportunity to wrap the wood and store it in an area far away from other wood. If that is not an option or if you suspect termite damage, dispose of the wood and then speak with your exterminator as soon as you can.
Make Your Home Impermeable
Unfortunately, given that you share at least one wall with another person or family, termite prevention might be a bit more challenging. However, preventing them is still going to be easier and more affordable than treating them later. It is a good idea to remember that if the wood on and around your home was pretreated to be resistant to termites, that protection is only effective for a few years. Your exterminator may have recommendations as to measures that could be taken now to maintain that resistance.
First, you will need to seal up every entrance and exist that a termite might be able to access. That can be around your doors, windows, joints, attic, basement, vents, etc. Since the shared wall is usually going to be of the most concern, a thorough cleaning of that wall needs to occur. After covering over any pin or nail holes and caulking any areas of concern, you can paint that wall thoroughly. Some people prefer to paint it twice to be sure that any termites in the wall cannot escape.
In conclusion, termites can inflict significant and expensive damage to a home in a relatively short period of time and that problem can quickly worsen if you share walls with one or more neighbors, since their termites can quickly become yours. As a result, it's best to consider the above tips
Contact a service like Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control for more help.