Homeowners Scramble as Termites Spring to Action

NPMA Staff

Spring is here -- and with the refreshing start of a new season, the last thing you need on your mind is a termite invasion. However, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), spring is a key time for termite infestations to occur in the home.

Termites eat constantly and can cause serious structural damage to your home, which is why prevention is paramount in keeping your home termite-free. Some useful termite prevention tips include:

• Avoid any moisture at the foundation of your home.
• Divert water away from your property through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
• Reduce humidity and ventilate crawl places.
• Repair gutters and leaking outdoor faucets so that water will run away from the house, thus removing moisture.
• Remove infested stumps and trees near the foundation of the house.
• Store scrap lumber and firewood as far from the house as possible.
• Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.
• Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

However, if termites have already made their way into your home, it is important to contact a licensed pest professional to assess the situation. There are many solutions to control termite infestations, including barrier treatments and baiting systems and your professional will help you to select the most effective treatment plan to suit your needs.

NPMA recommends your home be checked every year for termite infestations. Termites are silent destroyers and can often go unnoticed for long periods of time until the damage is already done. What's worse is that damage from wood boring insects is not covered by most homeowners' insurance policies, which can become a major and unexpected expense for homeowners. Protect your property with annual inspections from a qualified pest professional.

To learn more about termites or to contact a pest professional near you, visit www.pestworld.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.

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