Spring is just around the corner. Is your home protected?
As temperatures continue to increase and the ground becomes warmer, termites will emerge to launch an attack on vulnerable homes across the country. To promote public vigilance against termites, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recognizes March 15-21 as Termite Awareness Week. Rose Pest Solutions is proud to take part in this annual observance by educating homeowners about the threat of termites and the possible signs of an infestation this spring.
Silent Destroyers
Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because their constant gnawing can go unnoticed until significant structural damage to the home occurs. Termites can feed 24-hours a day, seven days a week on the cellulose found in wood and paper products. Because termites are so out-of-sight, naturally they’re out of mind.
So what’s the best way to kill termites?
Get an inspection to know if they’re even there in the first place.
Most home sales and refinances require a termite inspection before the purchase or refinance is made. Besides that, when’s the last time you thought to have a professional come and check things out? A termite infestation can develop pretty quickly if the set of conditions are just right. And guess what…your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover termite damage. A routine inspection for about $150 is SO WORTH IT as opposed to the thousands of dollars you could spend if an infestation is discovered. Which would you rather have happen?
What are the signs of termites?
“Winged swarmers are often the first sign to homeowners that termites may be invading and typically appear in spring to search for suitable spots to create a new colony, often settling down in homes that have sustained moisture damage over the winter from snow, ice, rain or wind,” said Steve Sutton, termite expert at Rose Pest Solutions Chicago. “Subterranean termites are most likely to cause problems in Chicagoland this spring, so it’s important for homeowners to remain vigilant for signs of these wood-destroying pests in and around their property.”
The NPMA offers the following signs of termites in a home:
- Mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source) on the exterior of the home.
- Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Darkening or blistering of wood structures.
- Cracked or bubbling paint.
- Small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest.
- Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills, indicating swarmers have entered the home or swarmers themselves, which are often mistaken for flying ants.
“If homeowners notice any of these signs, they should contact a pest professional who can best determine the extent of the problem and recommend a proper treatment plan,” added Sutton.
How to get rid of termites
In the event you or the professional performing your inspection discovers you do in fact have a presence of termites or an infestation, there are several options you can consider to get rid of termites. It’s even better if you’re just being proactive and want to make sure you’re protected no matter what. Rose has three options to control and prevent termites: conventional liquid treatments, a completely GREEN termite baiting system called Sentricon, and there’s even a military-grade option for prevention prior to having a home built called Termimesh.
I compare the two most common termite treatments in my article here.
Don’t think it won’t happen to you! Get an inspection today!
