Termites and other wood-destroying insects:
Termites and other wood destroying insects (such as Carpenter Ants and Powder Post Beetles) can do massive damage to a home, negatively impacting its value. In humid areas where termites are a problem, it’s not unusual to find many homes that have been virtually hollowed-out, their wood siding and some framing components literally turning to dust.

How do I prevent termite infestation?

There are many steps you can take toward preventing wood-destroying organism infestations, if you know how termites and other wood-destroying insects behave, and take steps to make your home less attractive to them.

Termites are ground insects that look for habitats that provide food, moisture and shelter close to the ground. Any place where wood meets ground qualifies, especially if the soil in that area stays moist. Correcting this situation may require re-grading to separate soil from any wood around your home. Since mulch and many other landscaping materials cause the soil to remain moist, you should make sure to minimize mulching in areas directly adjacent to your foundation. Some experts recommend mulching no closer than a foot from your home’s foundation. You should also stack firewood away from your home, preferably by several feet. Insure that gutters and downspouts are in good condition, and keep moisture from accumulating in or around your home, particularly in basements and crawlspaces.

You can also hire professional pest control operators to apply chemical treatments that protect your home. Be sure to find out how long the treatments last. Chemical treatments on the market today typically will protect your home for up to 5 years.

How do I know if my home has termites?

It takes an expert to detect hidden termite damage. General home inspections do not typically include a termite inspection. It is highly recommended that you get a termite inspection in addition to your general home inspection. If you suspect your home may have termites, or if you would just like the peace of mind a professional inspection can offer, please contact us. We maintain professional relationships with several prominent local pest control operators.

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