There is plenty of insect food in the natural environment, but when we clear a house lot and build a home, we remove much of the natural food supply and replace it with a built environment. Just like you Carpenter ants would rather live in a nice warm home rather than a cold wet log. With a little thought, we can limit the potential for insect infestation. Preventive practices include:
- Remove wet or decayed building elements.
- Fix and inspect for moisture problems: roof, walls, appliances and plumbing leaks
- Remove all wood that is in contact with soil in and around home.
- Separate all wood from the soil around perimeter and in crawlspace by at least 18″.
- Inspect around heat ducts and all heat producing appliances in crawl space annually.
- Do not bury wood and tree stumps on the building lot.
- Move or rotate firewood, scrap wood, and lumber away from the home.
- Remove vegetation and mulch from area next to house and out buildings.
- Avoid using rail road ties or cherry logs for landscaping.
- Avoid using foam insulation on foundation walls when possible.
- Schedule quarterly inspections, and treatments using non-replant insecticides.