How To Proof Your Door Against Termites
Despite their tiny size, termites cause massive damage to homes. Homeowners across the US incur over $5 billion in property losses due to termites. And the sad part is that homeowners insurance does not cover termite control costs.
Since wood, moisture, darkness, warmth, and cellulose materials attract termites, you will likely find them on your doors. But if you are vigilant enough, you can prevent the invasion in time.
Here are some of the ways to keep termites away from your door.
Install a Screen on Your Door
Leaving your windows and doors open on a hot sunny day is normal. However, doing this can make your doors prone to pests such as termites.
Luckily, there is a way you can enjoy the cool breeze brought into your house through the door without worrying about termites. You can install a screen at the door to let in the fresh air and keep bugs out.
Place a Door Sweep at the Door's Bottom
The gap between your door and the threshold is a gateway for termites looking to invade your home. Placing a door sweep made of nylon, vinyl, or neoprene can keep the termites out.
With a door sweep, water will not get into your house when it rains outside. You also get a strong barrier against the termites when you combine the sweep with a steel or aluminum threshold.
Mulch Proof the Door
Mulch attracts most subterranean termites due to the moist and dark conditions it provides. It is, therefore, imperative to keep materials such as sawdust, wood chips, or cardboard at least five feet away from your home's perimeter. And if you are already having a termite problem brought by mulch, contact a termite control expert for remediation.
Use Weatherstripping
Adding weatherstripping material around your door's perimeter can help proof it against termites. The weatherstripping material will seal any gaps between your door and its frame. It also keeps water and disease-causing insects from entering your home.
Hire a Termite Control Expert
The methods discussed above can prevent termites from entering your home to a certain degree. You cannot rely on them to permanently eliminate bugs that already exist around or inside your house.
Termites need a trained eye to contain and prevent thousands of dollars in damage. You should, therefore, bring a termite control expert on board for this particular task. The expert will assess the type and level of infestation in your home before recommending an eradication plan.
For more information about termite control, contact a local company.