Danny Lipford inspecting a home for termites.
Danny Lipford inspecting a home for termites.

To-Do #6: Inspect House for Termites

The warmer months of spring and summer are a good time to check around and under your house for termites, since they’re more active and easier to spot. Termite damage, though, can be occur at any time, so grab a flashlight and head outside and into your basement or crawlspace to look for evidence of termite infestation.

Look for damaged wood framing, termite tubes on exterior foundation walls, and the insects themselves. Pay particular attention to areas where wood meets the ground, such as around the foundation perimeter of your home where siding may contact soil or mulch.

To help prevent termites:

    • Keep the foundation exposed around the entire perimeter of your house. Avoid piling mulch, soil, firewood, or anything else up against the sides of your home.
    • Don’t store wood and cellulose-based materials (such as paper and cardboard) in a basement, crawlspace, or near your home’s foundation.
  • Keep your basement or crawlspace as dry as possible, since moisture creates a welcoming environment for termites.
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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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