Termite Danger!

Termite Danger!

What is the biggest threat to your home? If you guessed fire, water or wind, you’re wrong. Termites are a bigger danger to your home, causing around $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S., mostly in the South, Southeast, West and Southwest.

The problem with termites is that often, you don’t even know they’re there, eating away at your home, until large amounts of damage have been done. They can live in your home for years before damage becomes apparent.

Termites gain access to a home through tiny cracks in the foundation, window vents and roof joints. This is more common in older houses, but newer homes aren’t immune to an invasion of termites.

To keep termites away from your home:
Keep moisture out by directing water away with downspouts and gutters.
Keep your crawl spaces ventilated.
Keep mulch, wood chips, firewood, shrubs and other plants away from the foundation and rawl space
vents. Plants should not be planted so that they are in direct contact with your house or foundation.
Make sure that holes and small cracks and gaps are sealed.
Schedule regular inspections by a certified pest control specialist.

If you are planning to buy a home, find out whether the seller has a termite protection program set up with a certified pest control specialist, and don’t assume that a home inspector will detect termite damage.

Keeping termites out of your home is one of the best investments of time, energy and money that you can make!