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Hughes Exterminators Blog

Smiling Sun

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Tips To Help Minimize Summer Pests this Summer

As temperatures rise, termite and mosquito activity increases and pest populations boom.  Both mosquitoes and termites are attracted to and depend on water for survival, so one of the most important things you can recommend to your clients is to eliminate standing water around their home.   Also, trimming back excess vegetation and moving firewood away from the foundation is important. Both types of pests will live in vegetation and termites will seek wood and mulch as a food source.  

Mosquito Prevention Tips:

  • Eliminate sources of standing water or replace standing water once a week.
  • Screen windows and doors with mesh to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside homes.
  • Be alert when going outdoors during dusk or dawn, when mosquitoes are at their peak.
  • Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.
  • Cut back or get rid of unnecessary vegetation around the home where pests can breed or nest.

Termite Prevention Tips:

  • Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year.
  • Termite swarmers begin to emerge in the warmer weather and start looking for a new location to start a colony – which is why now is the perfect time to educate yourself about protecting your listings. 
  • Look for these warning signs of a termite infestation:

1. Thin, papery wings near window sills or floors
2. Mud tubs built by termites to connect them from the soil to their food source
3. Distorted areas of paint or wood surfaces which appear “bubbled” or cracked
4. Hollow-sounding wood

  • Termites are attracted to moisture so eliminate any moisture around your foundation and divert water away from the house by using proper downspouts and gutters.
  • Seal all cracks and holes around the exterior perimeter of your home including the areas where utilities and pipes enter.  Termites only need 1/32 of an inch to gain access.
  • Don't stack firewood or other lumber near your home and inspect it carefully before bringing it inside.
  • Keep tree branches, shrubs and ground covering well trimmed and away from the house.
  • Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation.

These tips can help your listing show better and get you to the closing table with fewer pest related issues!