Did you know that termites have been around since the age of dinosaurs? They have! And somehow, this species has evolved and continued to thrive – especially in our homes. These pesky little pests
According to the National Pest Management Association, these pesky little pests cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year. Unfortunately, though, termite damage is not often covered by homeowner’s insurance because it only covers sudden or accidental incidents. Termites can typically be prevented through routine home maintenance and homeowners are responsible for ensuring that termites do not destroy their property due to neglect.
Termite Prevention Tips
So if termites can cause this kind of damage – and insurance does not cover it – what should a homeowner do? Contractor’s Best Pest Solutions can offer a few tips to help you prevent and protect your home from the perils of a termite infestation.
- Divert water away from the home foundation with properly functioning gutters, downspouts and splash blocks
- Uproot plants growing over vents
- Remove old tree stumps and roots near and below the building
- Maintain at least 18 inches of distance between the wood portions of the home and the soil
Look for the Signs
From cracks and tunnels to wooden panels and beams, it is important to recognize signs of termite damage to your home and seek a pest control professional immediately.
The most common types termites – dampwood, drywood and subterranean. The dampwood termites prefer wet wood and drywood termites prefer dry wood. The most feared, the saw-toothed subterranean termites, are found in the southeastern U.S. in areas with rich soil and they are known to cause major damage to whole buildings.
Termite Treatment Options
Do you think termites may be lurking in your home? If so, there are a few treatment tips to consider. These can be done individually or in combination with one another.
- Soil treatments require the application of diluted liquid termiticides to create a chemical barrier.
- Wood treatments are done with a liquid termiticide.
- Bait installations in the ground are designed to attract termites and reduce foraging.
Contractor’s Best Pest Solutions has used Termidor® for the past 10 years to successfully treat thousands of homes in North Georgia. If you spot some potential signs of termite damage, or if you want to proactively schedule a termite treatment, give our team a call.