Termites Continue To Pose Significant Threat In 2015

Hughes Exterminators Encourages Homeowners to Protect Themselves against This Voracious Pest

While residents in our area are ready to put winter behind us and welcome spring with open arms, there are some not-so-nice effects that come with warmer weather that no one should welcome, especially into their home.  Termites top that list and begin swarming as the temperatures warm seeking to establish new colonies.  Hughes Exterminators, a local pest and termite control company urges homeowners to learn more about this destructive pest in an effort to protect their homes. Termites cause over $5 billion in structural damage each year which is more than storms and fires combined and most termite damage is NOT covered by homeowner’s insurance.  Subterranean termites are the most prevalent in our area, however drywood and Formosan termites can also be found in certain areas across the southeast and populations of all three are expected to be at an all-time high again this year.  Once inside a home, termites eat 24/7/365 through concrete, wood, carpeting, floors and wallpaper.

These signature swarms are often the first time a homeowner becomes aware of a potential infestation, however termites are most often present in a home well before they begin to swarm.  Other evidence of a termite infestation includes mud tunneling in, over and under wood structures; the darkening or blistering of wood; and/or damaged wood becoming extremely thin.  In all circumstances a pest professional should be contacted immediately.  Additionally, Hughes recommends that homeowners have their property inspected annually by a licensed professional to protect their families and their investment.

“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, the absence of typical “swarming” signs doesn’t mean there is no termite activity happening below the surface of a home.”

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.
• Seal cracks and holes, to prevent termite entry, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
• Do not stack firewood or lumber near home, and inspect it carefully before bringing it indoors.
• Keep tree branches, shrubbery and ground covering well trimmed and away from the house.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation.
• Have your home inspected annually by a licensed pest professional who specializes in termite control
• Consider installing a 24/7/365 protection system, such as the Sentricon^® System with Always Active™technology.

Hughes protects homes from termites and other pests with the STEPS^® Total Protection System™, an industry-leading process that utilizes Integrated Pest Management. STEPS includes a full home and property evaluation to pinpoint pest control issues; identification of not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem; and treatment in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and to help prevent future recurrences.