Apr 20, 2021 | Termite Control
Buying a home is a major investment and, for most homeowners, a lot of time is spent repairing and renovating their house to their liking. Home ownership can also bring unexpected problems that can be costly to repair, such as a subterranean termite infestation. Subterranean termites are known to cause considerable damage by building tunnels to reach food sources. Termites can colonize homes and cause significant undetected destruction over a long period of time. The cost to repair the damage can be in the thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, termite infestations can sometime be caused by the homeowner!
Improper Drainage
Having improper drainage around your home is one of the most common reasons why termites have infested. Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture and need an abundant source of nearby water to survive. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool and make insulation vulnerable to termites. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up in the home’s gutters, while the excess moisture can soften your roof and cause it to rot. Try to divert rainwater away from your foundation with a down-spout and by having splash blocks that will prevent water from pooling.
Wood Mulch
Landscaping and crafting a beautiful yard come with having a home, though, sometimes the type of materials used to landscape is attracting termites. Mulch is often used near and around the house, usually against the foundation. Unfortunately, mulch can serve as a source of food for termites as they retain moisture, attracting these pests right to the edge of your home. Try to minimize the use of wood mulch and keep it at least 15 inches from the foundation.
Moisture
Lack of airflow and leaking pipes all contribute to moisture problems in the home and can create conditions beneficial to termites. Eliminating any type of excess moisture inside the home is a major step in preventing termites from infesting. Consider enclosing your crawlspace to not only prevent these termites and other pests but also improve the overall health of your home by reducing the moisture, decreasing humidity, lowering utility bills, and preventing mold and wood rot.
If you have taken these necessary steps in preventing termites but suspect that you might have a termite problem, consider calling your local pest control company to help. They will set you up with a termite inspection and a treatment and prevention plan.
Mar 10, 2021 | Termite Control
Termites cause costly and considerable damage to homes and property each year. These pests are known to go undetected for some time, making it more challenging to eliminate them. It’s necessary to know the warning signs of termites and how to prevent them from infesting your home.
Termites need water to survive. They will seek moist, wet areas inside or around your home to build a new colony site and utilize the water to survive. Eliminating unnecessary moisture both inside and outside of your home is a great start to termite prevention. Storm drains should always be directed away from your house, draining at least a few feet from the foundation. Inside, ensure that there are no leaky faucets or water pipes. If there are leaks, fix them as soon as possible. If your home has a crawlspace, consider investing in a crawlspace enclosure which will help eliminate moisture under the house while also preventing mold, wood rot, and other pests.
In addition to searching for water, termites also search for wood. If there is any exposed wood around your house that is easily accessible to termites, they will find it and destroy it. Reducing soil-to-wood contact around your home is essential in preventing them. Get rid of any lumber, mulch, plants, or other wood items that are around your foundation. If you do want to use mulch for landscape purposes, keep at least a 4-inch barrier between the mulch and the side of your home. Always clean up and get rid of fallen branches, dead wood, or old tree stumps throughout your property.
Termites can be extremely difficult to detect, prevent, and eliminate once they are established. If you suspect or discover that you have a termite problem, or even want to get ahead of the prevention game, contact a professional pest control company who can set you up with annual termite inspections and even a termite control plan.
Mar 18, 2016 | Termite Control
The first official day of spring is Sunday, March 20th (the earliest arrival of spring of our lifetime so far in the Northern Hemisphere, according the the Old Farmer’s Almanac). This is also the first official day of termite season!
Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage each year in the U.S. Don’t let your home be part of the statistic! Here are some things you can do to prevent termite damage:
- Keep any items made of wood away from your home: firewood, cross ties, construction projects – all are potential food sources for termites
- Another food source for termites: mulch; keep it away from your home’s perimeter
- Termites love moisture, so eliminate sources of moisture by keeping gutters clean
It’s also important to know what to look for. Identifying a termite infestation early is key in preventing damage to your home. Termites swarm in the spring and although swarming termites don’t cause damage, it’s a sign of a destructive termite colony nearby. Swarming termites are often mistaken for flying ants; they have two pairs of long narrow wings, equal in size and, unlike other termites in the colony, are dark or black in color. Warm or wet weather brings termite (subterranean) swarmers out of their nest, typically during daytime hours, to start new colonies. They’re attracted to light so you’ll most likely see swarming termites around windows, doors, and light fixtures, or the wings they sometimes leave behind.
If you notice termite swarmers in your home, it’s a good indication of an established termite colony nearby, that could be causing significant structural damage. If you have an active termite warranty, call your exterminator and request a termite inspection. If termite activity is found, you should be provided with termite treatment options and, depending on your warranty’s coverage, damage repair solutions.
If you don’t currently have termite protection, call a professional termite control company immediately. They will provide a thorough inspection of your home (usually free) and give you the best treatment options to eliminate the active termites and prevent a future termite infestation. Be sure your pest control provider offers multiple warranties with damage repair options. Some even offer lifetime damage repair warranties with termite baiting systems, like Sentricon Always Active, an eco-friendly alternative to termite control.
Oct 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
Termites are some of the hardest working pests in the business. 24/7 they are in search of food which is oftentimes the wood from our homes. Termites are responsible for an estimated amount of over 2 billion dollars worth of damage to home in the US each year.
One of the first signs of a termite infestation is spotting termite swarmers. Swarmers are winged termites that are often mistaken for flying ants. Swarming (flying) termites have only 2 body segments, straight antennae, and 2 sets of wings equal in length. Flying ants, on the other hand, have 3 body segments, bent antennae, and 2 sets of wings that differ in length. Mud tunnels or tubes along the foundation are also signs that termites have found their way to your home.
The best action against termites is to be proactive.
- Divert water away from the foundation of your property.
- Reduce humidity, especially in areas like attics, basements, and crawlspaces.
- Keep all wood at least 20 feet away from your home and at least 5 inches off the ground. Termites are known to travel in tunnels underground.
- Keep mulch at least 15 inches away from the foundation.
- Call Northwest Exterminating at the first sign of termites. Termite infestations need immediate action by a licensed pest professional.
Jul 29, 2013 | Uncategorized
UGA recently released an article that gave helpful tips on how you can help your home to be less of a target to termites. We all know that termites cause millions of dollars worth of damage each year. Once you have a termite infestation, not only do you have to repair the damage but you must call on the help of a professional to get rid of them. These simple steps are a great way to stay proactive so that termites don’t become an issue.
Tips such as keeping wood products away from the perimeter of your home, keeping water away from the foundation, sealing cracks and crevices in the structure, and working with your termite professional to prevent termites feeding on your home.
To read the full article with helpful tips from UGA entomologist, Brian Forschler, CLICK HERE.
For termite protection on your property, call Northwest!
