Pest Proof: Termite Prevention for Rental Properties

Termites are a big problem. They can easily cause thousands of dollars in property damage to any home, whether it's a rental unit or not. Every year, termites cause millions of dollars in damage in Australia. They're a pest that can do a lot of damage before you know they're in your home or rental unit. As this is your investment property, it's your responsibility as the property owner to keep it in top shape for your tenants.

Top Indoor Termite Prevention Tips 

If you're a landlord that is worried about your rental unit becoming infested with termites, there are steps you can take. Since you don't live in the home, it's easier for a termite infestation to crop up without you knowing about it. This is why it's so important that you take preventative measures against termites including: 

• Control breeding areas by removing moisture sources. While it is impossible to control the moisture level outdoors, you can control your indoor moisture levels. Your home or rental property should be well ventilated and must allow for continual airflow. You can reduce the humidity levels by purchasing a dehumidifier. Termites thrive in damp environments so keeping your home dry will help to deter them.

• Purchase and use termite-proof wood for your home. Using chemically treated wood for your renovation or building projects can be a good termite deterrent as they'll find the taste and odour unpleasant and leave it alone. You should note that using chemically treated wood is not a 100-percent protection plan against termites, but it is a good start.
• Know when to stop DIYing your termite protection. Although you can get sprays and chemicals to head off a termite infestation, you may not see the results you're after. It's not unusual to keep finding pests after you've treated your rental. Additionally, you may start to see structural damage. If you do, it's time to consider calling a licensed professional company. A professional company comes with the guarantee that the staff has the proper training and licenses required to safely and effectively handle any pest control chemicals. They also have the experience to know where to check for problem areas and pest colonies or nests as well. 

Top Outdoor Termite Prevention Tips

When it comes to the outdoors, you don't have as much control over termite infestations as you do indoors. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of a termite infestation: 

• Restrict the termite's entry points into the home. Did you know that termites gain access to your home from soil to wood contact or through wood to wood contact? You don't want to store any woodpiles, fencing, or wooden trellises against your home's exterior. This is inviting termites to come and eat it, and it makes for an easy access point. You should also carefully seal all of the cracks, crevices, and holes in your home's foundation to make it difficult for termites trying to get in.
• Keep your garden and surrounding property neat and cut back. It is a good idea to routinely prune and cut back your garden to keep it neat and tidy. This is also a good termite deterrent, as they thrive in environments where there is moisture and piles of brush or wood. They also do very well in an environment that has dense plant or shrub growth. You want to ensure your garden and your property are manicured, dry, clean, and that there is plenty of airflow.

When you are responsible for a property, either as a landlord or as a property manager, proper termite control measures are essential to ensuring you're providing a safe place to live. By following these easy tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of having a termite infestation happen on your property.