Did you know that your home’s foundation could invite pest trouble?
Most homeowners face pest issues every now and then. But not many people are aware that it’s not only the living spaces that need protection against critter intrusion.
When your home’s foundation has inadequate protection, many pests could enter your home. These vermin include ants, spiders, termites, and carpenter bees.
Fortunately, you can take direct action to stop the pests in their tracks. We are going to look at various ways you can prevent pests from damaging the foundation and intruding on your home.
Which are the most common bugs found around the foundation?
Some pests are more attracted to home foundations than others. Here is a quick overview of the critters that are often found around a house’s foundation.
- Carpenter ants. This is one of the most destructive bugs attracted to foundations. Compared to termites, carpenter ants leave less of a mess around after burrowing. But the damage to your home’s foundation and adjacent wooden structures may be extensive.
- Termites. These tiny insects pose a great threat to home foundations. That’s because they love to eat wood that is in or around your home’s foundation. A termite infestation calls for quick intervention.
- Carpenter bees. Many homeowners shake their heads upon hearing about bees threatening the integrity of their foundations. But it’s completely true. Female carpenter bees burrow deep into the wood for nesting.
- Pill bugs. Out of the four foundation pests in this list, pill bugs constitute no direct threat to your foundation. These bugs won’t damage any wooden structures in or around the foundation. Although pill bugs are pests, most owners just let them be.
How to Protect Your Foundation Against Pests?
Now we are looking at practical steps you can take to protect your foundation against various pests.
1. Decrease moisture levels
Since many pests can’t regulate the moisture levels of their own bodies, they try to find humid conditions. When your home’s foundation is surrounded by soil rich in moisture, it’s an open invitation for many types of critters.
Damp soil due to adverse weather conditions or wet climate is something you can’t really do anything about. But you are always able to clean your gutters, conduct regular leak or drip checks, and point your downspouts as far away from the foundation as possible.
2. Clear the edge of your foundation
Do you have plants growing near your foundation? Are there any discarded items at the foundation’s edge? If the answer is “yes” to either of these questions, it’s time to clear the edge of your foundation.
Doing this will help you lower the risk of bug intrusion. Here are some practical ideas for you to consider:
- Never have a compost pile near to the foundation
- Remove firewood that has been stored up against your home
- Mow the lawn and rake the leaves on a regular basis
- Trim shrubs and plants close to the edge of your foundation
3. Get professional pest prevention services
An efficient preventive action is getting professional help to safeguard your home from pests. The right amount of insecticide along the foundation’s edge areas can make a considerable difference.
4. Seal cracks and other openings
Rodents can make their way indoors through cracks in your home foundation. These tiny holes allow for excess moisture to intrude on your home as well. As a result, the areas surrounding your foundation become suitable for pests seeking damp conditions.
Use caulk or polyurethane foam to seal up small cracks, holes, and gaps along your foundation. Pay extra attention to areas where your foundation may be compromised by plumbing, cabling, electrical wires, and AC lines.
Larger cracks warrant the consultation of a qualified foundation expert. Vertical cracks wider than 1/8 inches should always be inspected by a professional. These could indicate serious foundation issues.
The bottom line: protecting your foundation against pests
Most pests are looking for damp conditions. When your foundation has cracks or gaps, the extra moisture can easily make its way into your indoor spaces. And there are bugs especially looking for wood to burrow in.
The most common critters you can find around your home’s foundation are pill bugs, carpenter ants, termites, and carpenter bees. Out of these four, only pill bugs are harmless in terms of damage to wooden structures.
Here are our top tips for protecting your foundation against tiny intruders:
• Clear the edge of your foundation from wood, plants, and junk
• Seal any cracks, gaps, and holes in the home’s foundation
• Consider getting professional services for pest prevention
• Decrease the moisture levels in and around your home
