What Are The Termite Barriers For Existing Homes

March 21, 2023

Termites can cause significant damage to existing homes, making them a serious problem for many homeowners. One of the best ways to prevent termite infestation is by installing termite barriers. In this blog, we’ll enumerate the different types of termite barriers available for existing homes, how they work and common signs of termites to help you safeguard your property.

Termite Barriers

There are various types of termite barriers available for existing homes, including physical barriers, chemical barriers and baiting systems. Physical barriers are usually made of metal, plastic or mesh and they are installed around the perimeter of the house. Chemical barriers, on the other hand, are chemical treatments applied to the soil around the house to create a barrier that termites cannot pass through. Baiting systems involve the installation of termite bait stations around the house, which attract and kill termites.

How Do Termite Barriers Work?

Physical barriers work by creating a physical barrier that termites cannot pass through. When termites encounter the barrier, they are forced to build mud tubes around it to get through, which makes them visible and easier to detect. Chemical barriers work by creating a chemical barrier around the house, which termites cannot pass through. The chemicals used in these barriers are usually non-repellent, which means that termites will not know they are passing through a treated area. Baiting systems work by attracting termites to a bait station, which contains a substance that is toxic to termites. When the termites feed on the bait, they carry the toxin back to their colony, which eventually eliminates the entire colony.

Common Signs Of Termites

Termites are very good at hiding and it can be difficult to detect them until after they’ve caused significant damage to a property. However, there are common signs that homeowners can look out for, including:

Mud tubes: Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves from predators and to maintain a moist environment. These tubes can be found on the exterior walls of the house, near the foundation.
Wood damage: Termites feed on wood and their feeding can cause substantial damage to the house's structure. Look for areas of the house where the wood sounds hollow when tapped or where it appears to be damaged.
Swarming: During the spring, termites will swarm to find new colonies. If you see a large number of winged insects around your house, it could be a sign of a termite infestation.
Droppings: Termites produce droppings that resemble sawdust. If you see piles of these droppings around your house, it could be an indication of a termite infestation.

It's essential to take preventive measures now to avoid termite infestations. Installing termite barriers is one of the best ways to safeguard your property against these pests. You should also keep an eye out for common signs of termites to detect an infestation early and avoid significant damage to your home. If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a pest control professional to evaluate the situation and recommend appropriate treatment options.

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