With the beginning of a new year – you or someone you may know may be thinking about some new home improvements.  BUT! I caution you, before you spend all that money on your home’s project- make sure you, first and foremost, preventing your home from pests.  In this blog we are going to discuss termites and the damage they wreak when they make their way into your home.

Did you know that termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year? And I hate to break it you, but these costs will not, typically, be covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy.

Depending on the type of termite that invades your home you may experience an infestation which may be hidden from the blind eye, tunneling underground or inside the wood that is supporting your home.  There are various types of terminates that can be found all over the country.  If you live in an area with warm and wet climates you are more likely to experience termites and have an increased risk for structural damage.  But let’s be real – no matter where you live or the size of your home you are at a risk for termite damage. 

The most common termite of the species: Subterranean.  These guys nest in moist soil or wood (that is in contact with soil).  They build tube-like shelters that lead them from the soil to the wood.  Known to eat wood for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by using they saw-toothed jaws to bit off small fragments of wood one piece at a time.  They are found in every state in the US.

The most destructive: Formosan.  This termite poses quite a threat because it generates a much larger colony that other species.  They can generate a colony of millions!!!  In one day, this queen termite can produce more than 1,000 eggs. Not only will you find this pest in your wooden structures, they have been known to infest trees, utility poles and even your boat.  These guys are ferocious and can even eat their way through telephone coverings and electric cables.  Most commonly found in the southeastern U.S. – Alabama, Florida, Louisiana. 

So how do you prevent these nuisances?

Water supply – termites need water to thrive so you want to eliminate any moisture in and around your home : repair leaking faucets or water pipes.  Keep water moving away from you home with functioning downspouts and gutters. 

Inspection – make it a habit to check the foundation of your home for signs of tube-like shelters that they may be creating.  Knock on your wood, does it sound hollow?  If you answered yes, you may want to complete a thorough inspection of the home or call the PROS. 

Maintain – keep all firewood, at a minimum, 20 feet away from your home.

The BEST prevention – contact the Pest Control Specialists and schedule annual inspections.  Remember, termites will not be controlled by DIY techniques!