Termite Prevention for YOUR home

Subterranean Termites will always be around. So, the best way is to keep your home

as protected as possible! Don't feel like they are singling you out and your the only

home in the neighborhood with termites. Chances are your neighbors have them too!

Be aware of when the season is getting closer (which is now!) and the signs that you

may have had a swarm...Remember Subterranean Termites swarm on a warm morning

to mid-day following a wet or rainy night.

First, do a little sping cleaning! Deminish their food source!

•  *Remove old stumps and debris away from your homes slab or crawl space. This includes firewood, lumber or paper products.
•  *Brush back soil around your home if it meets any of the wood panels.
•  *Keep an eye on wooden decks and fences for signs of Subterranean termite evidence or damage.
•  *Replace ripped or broken window screens. Termites only need a very tiny space to get in and get to work on eating your home!

Second, do you have a dripping water hose? Eliminate their moisure source!

•  *Start on the ground and work your way up...fix any faucets, water pipes or a/c units that may be leaking and creating a water puddle on the ground below it.
•  *Water and utility lines and pipes entering the home make an easy entry point and should be sealed properly. (This will also help eliminate any rodent problems!)
•  *Although these termites usually stay low to the ground, if you have standing water on a roof its a perfect moisure source. Remember to keep gutters and drain spouts cleared out as well.

Last but NOT least, get to know what your up against!

•  *Be able to identify a termite. They may look very similar to a swarming ant, but up close they have very specific differences. (Refer to our FAQs for a side-by-side picture of these insects.)
•  *Check your window sills! When termites swarm they lose their wings. They have an iridescent color when you get a close look.
•  *An easy way to spot them is to find their mud tubes/tunnels. They can be found on walls, wooden beams or under homes with crawl spaces.
•  *Watch for Subterranean termite droppings, also called frass,  and cracked or  bubble paint.

Good luck this 2011 swarming season! If you have any questions or concerns please call our office for fast and friendly service! (727) 541-5940