If you have ever lived in a home that's been taken over by termites, you probably want to avoid them in your new house. With the right supplies and building techniques, you can create a home that is as resistant to termites as possible. Check out these tips.
1. Use Treated Wood
Contractors use treated wood for home frames in most situations, but if you are building your own home, you need to turn to treated wood as well. This timber has chemicals applied to it that deter termites from snacking on the wood. It's especially important to use for external areas such as decks as well as anywhere the timber touches soil such as the wood sill plate on your foundation.
2. Consider Steel Frames Instead
In lieu of treated timber, consider opting for a steel frame. Steel frames offer a clear advantage because they are recyclable and relatively lightweight for transport. However, they are also naturally resistant to termites—these pesky insects can't snack on steel.
3. Insist on a Slightly Raised Foundation
If your home is going to have a concrete foundation set on the ground, you shouldn't have the top of the foundation flush with the ground. With that design, siding and framing also ends up too close to the soil, and termites can easily migrate from the soil to the wood.
To minimise this effect, the foundation should be raised slightly above the ground. That keeps the timber away from direct contact with the soil.
4. Look for Termite Resistant Siding
You can also buy siding that is termite resistant. Ideally, you should check out fibre-cement siding. The termites can't chew into it so it helps protect the exterior of your home.
5. Ventilate Well to Reduce Humidity
Termites thrive in humidity and if you deprive them of moisture, you deter them from setting up camp in your home. To keep humidity levels low, think about ventilation as you work with a designer to create your home.
You may want to add a layer of rocks in the soil beneath the foundation to help with air circulation. Additionally, you may want extra ventilation in the attic.
6. Remember the Landscaping
Finally, when the home design is done, it's time to think about landscaping. Plants and foliage touching your home can serve as a conduit for termites. Focus on landscaping designs that have lots of rockwork around the home and trees that are spaced away from the home.
If your home is already infested, it's time to call a pest control specialist for help.
Share27 June 2017
As the parent of five children, I've picked up some tips over the years when it comes to childproofing the garden and creating an outdoor space that's safe and can be enjoyed by everyone. I started focussing on safety in the garden after my first child had an accident that could have been prevented. Thankfully, they recovered pretty quickly, but I realised how easy it is for young children to get hurt when playing outdoors. I started this blog to share what I've learned as a parent, and topics I post about include creating safe swimming pools, identifying toxic garden plants, choosing child-safe gates and maintaining outdoor play equipment. I hope you find my blog interesting and useful.
