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TERMITE
PROTECTION
Things
you can do to protect your home from
termites.
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage
each year. They primarily feed on wood, but
also damage paper, books, insulation, and
even swimming pool liners and filtration
systems. Termites can injure living trees
and shrubs, but more often are a secondary
invader of woody plants already in decline.
While buildings may become infested at any
time, termites are of particular importance
when buying or selling a home since a
termite inspection/infestation report is
normally a condition of sale. Besides the
monetary impact, thousands of winged
termites emerging inside one's home are an
emotionally trying experience — not to
mention the thought of termites silently
feasting on one's largest investment.
Eliminate
Moisture
Problems
• Repair leaking
faucets, water
pipes and a/c
units
• Divert water
from foundation
• Keep gutters
and down-spouts
clean
• Ventilate
crawl spaces
• Remove
excessive plant
cover and wood
mulch
• Get rid of
standing water
on roof
• Keep all vents
clear and open
• Seal entry
points around
water and
utility lines or
pipes
Remove Food
Sources
• Keep firewood,
lumber or paper
away from
foundation or
crawl space
• Get rid of
stumps and
debris near
house
• Place screens
on outside vents
• Check decks
and wooden
fences for
damage
• Wood on your
home shouldn’t
contact the soil
Warning Signs
Some indications
you may have
termites
include:
• A temporary
swarm of winged
insects in your
home or from the
soil around your
home.
• Any cracked or
bubbling paint
or frass
(termite
droppings).
• Wood that
sounds hollow
when tapped.
• Mud tubes on
exterior walls,
wooden beams, or
in crawl spaces.
• Discarded
wings from
“swarmers.”
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