Few situations can prove to be as stressful in the maintenance of a building as a termite infestation. In general, finding out how to get rid of termites on the roof proves to be a difficult and laborious task, especially if the problem is not detected in the early stages.
In addition to being stressful, because the colonies of the insect settle inside the beams that give structure to the roof, the infestation can end up compromising the safety of the construction if not eliminated completely.
How to get rid of the termite on the roof, see tips
After all, how to get rid of the termite on the roof? And what can I do to prevent the problem from reoccurring in my building? That is what you will find out now with riverside roofing pros. Read on!
10 tips on how to stop termites on your roof
1. Identify the plague correctly
The first step to find out how to get rid of termites on the roof is to properly identify the pest that is attacking the woodwork.
Check whether the infestation is caused by termites or flying ants, with which the former are often confused.
To answer this question is quite simple: the waistline of the termite is much thicker than that of the flying ant. Also, you can check the wings: while those of the termite are translucent, those of the flying ant have a more brownish appearance.
2. Evaluate the size of the outbreak
Once you have identified that the infestation is indeed caused by termites, it is time to check the extent of the problem so that you can better understand how to stop termites on the roof.
Very small outbreaks can be controlled by injecting specific products for exterminating this type of pest. However, larger outbreaks require immediate attention from a specialized team to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of your construction.
These professionals are the most indicated to conduct a technical investigation and identify areas of attack and invasive species, thus taking the most appropriate measures.
3. Pay attention to the warning signs
Termites are pests that are difficult to control, due to their ability to install themselves in very small cracks. In general, when the signs of their presence are already quite evident, the problem is quite advanced and the wood may be compromised.
Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the warning signs. Make frequent inspections of the woodwork to check if there is no accumulation of yellowish dust, small wings, or brownish balls, indicative of the presence of termites in the area.
It is also possible to test this by tapping the wood. If the sound produced is hollow, there is a good chance that the pest is compromising the roof structure.
4. Don't use homemade solutions to solve the problem
If you detect the presence of termites on your roof, avoid using homemade solutions to try to solve the problem to get rid of termites. While some are harmless to the residents, others, such as kerosene, are highly toxic, flammable, and endanger the safety of the building and its occupants.
5. Never store the woodwork used in construction sites
When you use wood in the reform of the roof, dispose of it in an appropriate place soon after the work is finished. Storing this type of material, especially in humid places, can cause termite infestations in the property.
The same goes for other food sources for this type of insect, such as wood stumps and old furniture that will no longer be used.
6. Pay attention to water leaks
Termites love humidity. Therefore, if you want to keep them away from your roof, it is important to be aware of any water leaks in the construction and eliminate them quickly.
It is also essential to keep the roof area as dry as possible, thus avoiding creating a breeding ground for the pest.
7. Eliminate the accumulation of leaves
Another way to get rid of termites on your roof is to eliminate the accumulation of leaves in this area of the building, as they create a favorable environment for the pest to proliferate.
If possible, remove all tree branches that may be in contact with the roof to remove any chance that termites will damage the building.
8. Check for soil-dwelling termites
It seems silly to worry about this type of pest when it comes to how to stop termites on your roof, but it’s not.
This is because although they live in the earth, soil termites leave their natural habitat in search of food. They not infrequently use cracks in the wall to cause damage to concrete. Sometimes they even destroy electrical wiring to make their way towards the woodwork of the roof.
9. Give preference to termite-immune wood
This “protection” happens because some substances produced by these trees accumulate inside. They are extremely toxic to insects, making the darker, inner part immune to termites. On the other hand, avoid using wood scraps, which are more prone to infestation.
10. Make a preventive treatment in the wood
To avoid all the wear and tear caused by the presence of termites on the roof, the best solution is to act before they even appear. There are preventive products on the market, which should be applied to buildings, ceilings and roof structures.
With low toxicity and repellent action, this type of product also helps to control the absorption of moisture. Absorption of moisture reduces cracks in the wood and warping. In general, they are easy to apply and colorless, thus avoiding the alteration of the wood’s original color.
For the external areas of the roof or walls of the house, sun-protected varnish and oil-based paints also help to create an extra barrier against termites, as the insects cannot feed on wood with these substances.
Maintaining the integrity of the roof structure is fundamental for the safety of your construction. Therefore, do not give up adopting preventive measures. If necessary, seek specialized help to know how to stop termites on the roof.