More than 365,000 homes in the U.S. are involved in a fire each year. More than 600,000 U.S. homes suffer termite damage totaling over $1.5 billion annually. This is more than the damage caused by all fires, storms and earthquakes combined. More than 2 million homes require termite treatment each year. Homeowners insurance can help recover losses from fires, floods and earthquakes, but it is almost impossible to get insurance against termites.

They eat wood and may also destroy paper products such as books, cardboard boxes, furniture and various other items. Even buildings with steel framing and masonry walls are targets because of the wooden doors and window frames, wooden support beams, cabinets or shelving.

Termites feed on cellulose, a complex chemical in plant cell walls, and they are very important in the natural decomposition of fallen trees, leaves and other plant products.

Property owners seldom see the worker or soldier termites, but in the spring or fall they may see swarming "winged reproductives." This form of termite can easily be confused with a winged ant unless you look closely.

A thorough inspection by an Hughes Termite Specialist is the first and most important step in protecting your property. "Experienced" eyes can locate the specific areas in your structure where a termite attack is likely to occur. If a termite infestation is found, your Hughes Specialist can design a treatment plan for your property that will eliminate any current infestation and establish a treatment zone, or monitoring system, around your home to take care of possible future termite infestation.

• For clues to help distinguish termites from ants, examine the insects' wings, waist and antennae. While both insects have two pairs of wings, termite wings are relatively equal in size. Ant wings tend to be longer in front and shorter in back.
• Ants also have a narrow, pinched waist. Termites' waists are thicker and less distinct.
• In addition, ants' antennae are elbowed, while termites' are straight.

• Termites swarm at various times each year according to geographic regions, species of termite and weather conditions.
• Most subterranean termites normally swarm in the daytime -- usually mid-day -- when it is sunny and often, right after it rains.
• Formosan termites, the most voracious species of termites, are a notable exception to this rule. They typically swarm in the early evening.

• Pencil-sized diameter, or larger, mud tubes running across bare concrete or masonry between the soil and any wooden part of your building.
• Thin, small, papery wings, all the same size and shape, 3/8-1/2 inches long, on your window sill, counter top or floor (especially if it is late Spring and there has been a recent rain.)
• Thin, "bubbled" or distorted areas of paint or wood surfaces which feel cool to the touch.
• Any wooden building parts (especially if they are support structures) begin to "sag" unexpectedly.

• Stack all firewood, lumber or other wooden items, several feet away from your building.
• Keep all wood supports of porches, patios, decks, or separate buildings more than one foot from contact with your home's foundations; and use only pressure- treated wood for all construction which contacts the ground. Even treated wood has a limited protection period.
• Move all wood-containing mulch (even cedar or redwood) and decorative wood chips at least one foot away from your foundation.
• Repair any leaking water lines or fixtures, especially if they wet any wooden part(s) of your house. Repair any eaves, downspouts, gables or shingles, which allow wooden parts of your house to get wet even occasionally.
• Monitor moisture levels and take steps to reduce moisture build-up in any crawl spaces.
• Relocate frequently-watered gardens or flower beds as far away from your home's perimeter as you can.
• Change your outdoor lights from "white" bulbs to some yellow or pale amber, especially during the Spring, to reduce attraction of any night-swarming termites near your home.

For a free, no obligation inspection of your home or business, please complete our Free Inspection Request.

One of Hughes' trained professionals will contact you upon receiving your inspection request and set up a date and time that is convenient for you. Once your inspection is complete, your Hughes Inspector will provide you with a detailed report on the identification and location of pest problems that you might have. Then, we will show you how we can help you prevent problems or eliminate your existing pest problems.

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