When you bought your new home, you likely fell in love with its floorplan, windows and overall style. Of course, if you notice termites feasting on floorboards, destroying moldings or weakening foundations, your thrill of home ownership may turn to despair.
Unfortunately, when it comes to termites and the damage they cause, you do not only have to worry about your house’s interior. On the contrary, termites may destroy the external appearance of your property.
Live trees
If you have tall trees that provide shade or frame your house, you want to keep them in tip-top shape. While termites tend to crave dry wood, they sometimes infest mature trees. Not only do trees provide shade and beauty, but they also may increase the value of your residence. Termite damage can take a toll on your investment. Further, the cost of removing dead trees can be high.
Fences
Robert Frost famously wrote, “good fences make good neighbors.” If you use fencing to separate your property from others, you want your barriers to be in good condition. Termites can wreak havoc on the overall quality of wood fences, though. Not only may they munch on upright boards, but they can also destroy supports.
Landscaping
To beautify your home, a builder or previous homeowner may have installed landscaping. Put simply, though, anywhere you have wood outside your home, termites may seek refuge. Even worse, if you have wooden landscape features near your house’s foundation, termites may move from the exterior inside.
Outbuildings
If you live in an area that is prone to termite damage, you may have a full-time job keeping your home safe. You cannot forget about outbuildings, though. Sheds, garages, barns and other wooden structures may become a breeding ground for termites.
While keeping termites out of the inside of your home is likely your top priority, you must also focus on curb appeal. After all, if termites devour the trees, fences, landscaping or outbuildings on your property, your otherwise beautiful home may begin to look shabby.