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Monday, February 18, 2019

Termites Pose A Big Threat To Homeowners

Hughes Exterminators Shares Tips to Prevent Termite Infestations This Spring

Termites are among the most devastating intruders a homeowner could ever face. Every year they invade millions of homes, causing billions of dollars in property damage. The startling fact is termites do more damage to homes than fires and storms combined and yet the damage is rarely covered by homeowner’s insurance since termite damage is considered preventable through proper termite protection. Hughes Exterminators, a local pest and termite control company, is urging homeowners to learn more about this destructive pest and be proactive as termite swarm season nears.

When temperatures warm, reproductive termites swarm from an existing colony to create a new one in a different location. These signature swarms are often the first time a homeowner becomes aware of a potential infestation “Once a termite infestation begins, the damage can occur very quickly so it’s imperative that homeowners get an inspection early in the season,” says Charlie Jones, Hughes Pest Expert. “Many homeowners believe that termites don’t exist simply because they can’t see them, however this is not the case as termites are most often present in a home well before they start to swarm.”

Possible Warning Signs of a Termite Infestation:

  • Termite wings which are thin, papery wings and typically found near window sills or floors.
  • Mud tubes built by termites to connect them from the soil to their food source.
  • Distorted areas of paint or wood surfaces which appear “bubbled” or cracked.
  • Hollow-sounding wood
  • Frass or termite droppings is a sign of drywood termites and has a hard, gritty feel to it.

Hughes Exterminators offers these tips to help prevent a termite infestation this spring:

  • Eliminate moisture around foundations.  Also, divert water from the house by using proper downspouts and gutters because termites are attracted to moisture.
  • Do not stack firewood or lumber near home. Termites can burrow into the woodpile and then right into the home.
  • Remove old tree stumps in the yard.
  • Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house which will also help with inspections and finding termite infestations. Additionally, avoid excess piles of mulch since this is a favorite food source for termites.
  • Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation.
  • Have your home inspected annually by a licensed pest professional who specializes in termite control. If you have termite protection is important to maintain your coverage and renew annually.