How to Protect Your Home Against Termites

When spring arrives in Wisconsin, termites become active and start looking for new places to nest. These insects do good work breaking down dead wood and plant matter outdoors. But inside your home? That’s a different story. 

Termites can cause serious damage to your property if left unchecked. Protecting your Wisconsin home from termites comes down to two key strategies:

1. Termite Prevention: Stop these pests before they ever get inside. Taking steps now saves you from costly repairs and major stress down the road.
2. Termite Removal: Sometimes prevention isn’t enough. When that happens, catching the problem early makes all the difference in protecting your home.

Here’s what else you need to know about keeping them out.

How Do I Prevent Termites?

Many Wisconsin homeowners think termite infestations are unavoidable. That’s simply not true! With the right approach, you can greatly reduce your chances of dealing with these destructive pests.

So, can I do termite prevention myself? Yes, to a point. DIY termite prevention focuses on making your home less attractive to these insects and keeping a close eye on warning signs. 

While no single method guarantees complete protection, these steps will lower your risk significantly:

DIY Termite Prevention Methods

• Address moisture problems right away. Repair leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and faulty AC units promptly.
• Store firewood properly. Keep wood piles at least 20 feet from your house and off the ground.
• Create space between soil and wood. Make sure there’s at least 6 inches between dirt and any wood siding, porches, or decks.
• Direct water away from your foundation. Extend downspouts so rainwater flows at least 3 feet from your home’s base.
• Be careful with landscaping materials. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from your foundation. Consider using gravel next to the house instead.
• Seal entry points. Use caulk to fill cracks in your foundation and gaps around utility lines.
• Clean up your yard. Get rid of old tree stumps and decaying wood debris.
• Cover exterior vents. Install screens to block termites from getting inside.
• Reduce crawl space humidity. Good ventilation helps keep moisture levels low.
• Check your home regularly. Look inside and outside for signs of termites. If something seems off, contact a professional right away.
  

Why Regular Inspections Matter

Termites work quietly and can go unnoticed for months or even years. That’s why staying alert is so important. When you catch an infestation early, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to handle. Wait too long, and you could face serious structural problems.

Checking your own home is a great start. But for properties at higher risk, professional termite monitoring offers more thorough protection and peace of mind.

What to Do if You Find Termites

Discovered termites in your Wisconsin home? Act fast, but act smart. Here’s how to help achieve successful treatment:

• Leave them alone. Don’t break open mud tubes or spray household bug killers. This can scatter termites to new hiding spots, making elimination harder.
• Save a sample. Found dead flying termites or discarded wings? Put them in a jar or plastic bag with rubbing alcohol. This helps experts identify the exact species.
• Document what you see. Take clear photos of mud tubes, damaged wood, blistering paint, or frass (termite droppings that look like tiny sawdust piles). Include something for scale, like a coin.
• Mark problem areas. Use painter’s tape or sticky notes to flag spots where you noticed activity. Small holes and soft spots can be hard to find later.
• Call a termite exterminator. Home termite infestations are tricky to eliminate completely. Professional treatment gives you the best chance of success.

Professional Termite Control Methods That Work

Termite Bait Stations

Dealing with active termites? Bait stations offer an effective solution, especially for homes where liquid treatments aren’t practical. They contain materials that termites carry back to their colony. As more termites eat the bait, it spreads throughout the nest. Eventually, this leads to complete colony elimination.

The trade-off? Baiting takes time, and results aren’t instant. But for long-term protection, it’s highly effective. Many Wisconsin homeowners choose to pair bait stations with liquid treatments for both fast action and lasting results.

Liquid Termiticides

Our trained technicians apply professional-grade termiticide around your home’s perimeter and foundation. This creates a protective barrier that stops termites in their tracks.

Ongoing Monitoring

Want to know how to permanently get rid of termites in your house? Continuous monitoring is your best bet for lasting protection. While your own inspections are valuable, professional monitoring catches problems you might miss and provides year-round defense against new infestations.

How to Get Rid of Termites for Good

At Batzner Pest Control, we’re committed to solving your termite problem, both now and for years to come. Our experienced termite control professionals serve homeowners throughout Wisconsin.

Ready to protect your home? Give us a call for a free quote and discover what it’s like to have real peace of mind. Termites may be persistent, but our team is more determined!