Termite Protection 101: Shielding Your Home from Termites

So, what is your best protection against termites?  You can’t prevent termites from existing, but arming yourself with some essential termite protection know-how can help you identify an infestation and discourage an invasion.

How to spot the signs of termites 

Any good plan for termite protection starts with knowing the basics. So, where should you look for termites? Anywhere their tiny bodies will fit, which means crevices, cracks, front door entries, garage openings and more. Termites hide well, so look closely. Be especially mindful of areas where water tends to pool.

Signs that you might have termites in your house:

• Buckling, sagging floors
• Popping hardwood slats
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Small, wood-colored droppings called frass (indicates drywood termites)
• Wings that drop from “swarmers”
• Dark, blistery wood
• Tunnels within wood
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Mud pipes where the structure meets the soil

Precautions for home termite control

Protecting your home from a termite invasion starts with being proactive. Even though American Home Shield® doesn’t cover termite protection, we still have some solid tips for keeping your home termite-free.

• Empty your crawl space of debris and pieces of wood. Cover the soil’s surface with polyethylene sheeting to reduce the moisture.
• Remove any dead wood from your yard.
• Look at all moist areas for termites, especially where water has puddled.
• Check around decks, porches, latticework and any wooden surfaces that touch the ground.
• Use screening over attic vents to block termite entry.
• Remove tree stumps, untreated fence posts and firewood that are stored near your home.
• Spread mulch in low mounds and several inches away from your house.

How to tackle a termite problem in your home

Termite control is complicated and requires a thorough knowledge of both chemicals and the insect itself. Because termites can result in major expenses and serious structural damage, we don’t recommend a DIY approach to termites in your house. If you’ve unearthed a termite issue, don’t think twice before calling a pest control professional. And before termites even become an issue, be proactive and arrange for annual termite inspections to reduce the chances of an infestation. 

Don’t Worry, Be Warranty

At American Home Shield, we understand the importance of protecting your home from pest damage, including termite problems. While our home warranties don’t cover termite damage, our plans do offer robust protection for your home systems and appliances, ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable. American Home Shield invented the home warranty industry and since then, we’ve built a national network of trusted Pros and helped millions of homeowners. With four billion dollars paid in claims over the last seven years, we believe that a warranty is the key to happy, stress-free home ownership. 

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.