Simple Ways to Protect Your Home from Termites

Serving Broward County and Palm Beach County

Let’s be honest, preventing termites is much easier than dealing with the aftermath of an infestation. It’s practically the difference between brushing your teeth and getting a root canal. Termite prevention can save you money and reduce stress down the road. Even better? You can get started without spending a dime. In Florida, where Formosan and Eastern subterranean termites are always nearby, taking action early is especially important.

At Petri Pest Control, we’ve seen the kind of destruction these insects can cause, and it’s not pretty. Knowing how to keep termites away is one of the most beneficial things you can learn as a homeowner.

Affordable Termite Prevention Tips

You don’t need expensive treatments to reduce the risk of termites. These free strategies help remove the three things termites love most: wood, moisture, and secret entrances to your home.

Keep an Eye on Wood Around Your Property

Think of wood near your home as a flashing neon sign for termites. Fallen branches, firewood piles, and old stumps are all irresistible to them. Once they’ve settled in nearby, it’s only a short time before they journey into your house.

• Store firewood off the ground and at least 20 feet from your foundation
• Remove any decaying trees or stumps as soon as possible
• Regularly inspect wooden fences, sheds, and decks for signs of damage

Control Moisture Near Your Foundation

Termites thrive in damp, humid environments, something Florida provides in abundance. Excess moisture near your home makes it easier for them to invade.

• Clean your gutters and redirect downspouts away from the house
• Repair leaky faucets, air conditioner lines, or plumbing issues promptly
• Ensure crawl spaces are well-ventilated to prevent humidity buildup

Rethink Using Mulch in Your Landscaping

Mulch might improve your curb appeal, but to termites, it’s both shelter and a buffet. It traps moisture and provides cellulose-rich material they can feed on.

• Avoid placing mulch right against your home, keep at least a 6-inch gap
• Consider termite-resistant options like cedar or cypress varieties

Learn the Signs of Swarming Termites

Termite swarmers are winged members of the colony that appear during warm, humid weather, especially after spring rainstorms. Their mission is simple: fly away and create new termite colonies. If you notice groups of these winged insects, or stumble upon small piles of discarded wings, it’s a strong sign your home is on their radar, and it might be time to bring in a professional.

Catching swarmers now, rather than finding structural damage months later, can make all the difference. Swarmers are like a termite alarm, your early alert before real trouble begins.

• Watch for bugs with straight antennae, thick waists, and matching pairs of wings
• Stay extra alert in the weeks after spring showers
• Inspect window sills and near lights for tiny piles of wings
• Familiarize yourself with other early signs of termite activity

Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection

Even the most thorough homeowners can miss small signs that professionals are trained to spot. A termite inspection can uncover vulnerabilities on your property that you didn’t even know existed.

Our experts are here to walk you through the process, and offer recommendations tailored to your home. Reach out to us today to schedule your free inspection, or take a moment to learn more about our customized termite services.

Are Store-Bought Termite Products Effective?

Some over-the-counter termite solutions can be helpful, but only when used properly. Unfortunately, many require digging trenches or applying them in hard-to-reach places. For many homeowners, it’s more of a hassle than they expected.

These treatments can also leave untreated zones, reducing long-term effectiveness. While they might help with mild risk, they tend to fall short against heavy infestations or aggressive species like Formosan termites.

Why Professional Termite Prevention Makes a Difference

When you work with professionals, you’re getting more than product application. Your property will benefit from an expert who understands your home’s layout, identifies risk factors, and builds a personalized protection plan.

We use commercial-strength products and proven techniques to form complete barriers around your home. DIY techniques struggle to replicate our results, especially against Formosan “super termites” which are very common in Florida.

Termite damage repairs can easily go over $8,000, and insurance typically won’t cover the cost. Professional prevention is an investment that helps you avoid much bigger expenses.

Don’t wait for signs of termites to appear. By then, they’ve already caused damage. Contact Petri Pest Control today so we can make sure your home stays protected.