The Termites Are Coming!
Craig Acord

How To Protect Against Springtime Pests

It’s that time of year again! Yes, springtime brings with it floods of termites, ready to multiply in your property. The annual swarming of termites puts many areas at risk for infestation. But how do you tell if your listing is in danger? By the time termite presence is visible to the naked eye, chances are the damage has already been done. So, it is essential to have your home inspected by a licensed pest control operator if you even suspect that termites are infesting your property. Look for the early signs of termite damage. Mud tubes extending up from the foundation indicate a colony below has a food source.

Other entry points for termites that are not readily visible are expansion joints in slab construction; other cracks within the foundation and foundation walls and crawlspaces. Tubes extending down from a wall indicate there are termites present above ground. The desert termite, predominant in the southwestern United States, will build "drop" tubes, which actually extend out of the ceiling. Additionally, the following details are some early signs of infestation:

• Termite swarms.
• Following a swarm, the insect snaps off it’s wings, leaving them behind. Numerous light-colored wings on outdoor surfaces are a clear indication.
• Clouds of swarmers are attracted to bright bulbs.
• Sheltered tubes made of mud on concrete and masonry walls.
• Bubbled paint or wooden surfaces that are damp and cool to the touch.
• Sagging building supports.

So, what can be done to keep your home safe from termite infestation? There are several steps that can take to make your home less ideal for termite invasions. First of all, termites require moisture in order to survive. Wood that is at least 30 percent water saturated provides enough moisture.

Additionally, termites will find freestanding water such as condensation, rain or plumbing leaks and use this moisture as their main source for survival. Correcting moisture problems in conjunction with treatment is necessary for successful control. If standing water is not available, termites will bring wet mud into a structure to create moisture conditions. Professional pest control operators are trained to conduct thorough termite inspections and can recommend specific preventative steps on an individual basis.

This is an analysis or report of various activities occurring within the real estate industry. Data and other information derived from independent market research and other reliable sources. Although this article is designed to provide accurate information, no guarantee can be made with the understanding that the publisher, PYRAMIS COMPANIES, is not engaged in rendering legal, tax, or other professional advice through this publication.