While termites are small, they're certainly powerful enough to cause havoc throughout your home. They tend to burrow in wood and once they make their way in they're difficult to banish. Whether you suspect you have a termite infestation or you want to prevent one, it's good to learn some dos and don'ts.

Do Reduce Wood Rot

Termites are particularly enamoured with wood that is damp and rotting. It's the damp and rotting wood that makes it easy for them to create the holes where they go to thrive. Because of this, you need to act quickly to fix any leaks or areas of condensation. As soon as you notice you have a potential source of damp wood, address it. Additionally, make sure you don't leave piles of wood or old wooden furniture out in your garden during periods of rainfall.

Don't Pile Up Leaves

If maintaining a neat and tidy garden is one of your favourite pastimes, make sure you don't allow leaves to pile up. Much like damp wood, they're a haven for termites who need somewhere to call home. As soon as you gather leaves, make sure you dispose of them in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Do Know How to Spot Them

Performing periodic termite inspections is a great way to spot early signs of the creatures. One of the biggest signs is the sudden appearance of tubes in the hard structures inside and outside your home. These are especially likely to appear in wood, which termites find easy to access. You can also try knocking on wooden structures to see if they sound hollow. If they do, there's a chance that it's hosting termites. If you suspect you have termites in your home, call a pest control company so they can tackle the issue.

Don't Tackle Termites Alone

Once termites are aware that someone is trying to disrupt their environment, they begin hiding in an attempt to keep them away. Unless you have the right skills and tools, there's a chance you won't be completely successful in banishing them and you may cause them to go into hiding. If your efforts cause them to move into a broader area, removing them can become more expensive. Because of this, you should always call for professional help.

With the right approach, a professional pest control company can detect and treat termites quickly. By acting fast, they can minimise the amount of damage termites cause to your property. To learn more, call for a termite inspection.