Buying a home is a wondrous adventure which can lead to many headaches down the road. Prevention is key, and necessary when it comes to these persistent and destructive pests. Most companies offer bonds, or warranties, that protect your home for a set number of years. This usually includes an annual inspection and treatments, if needed. This is the Gold Standard of prevention. Those who don’t have this protection will be in for quite a shock at the costly damage a few termites can do. Knowing your advisory can definitely help in saving you time and money when dealing with these sneaky little destructive pests.
How To Identify These Destructive Pests:
Identification: Termites and Ants look very similar to the untrained eye (see image), and knowing the difference is the first step to making sure a small issue doesn’t turn into a catastrophic problem. Note the differences in body structure, the ant has 3 body sections, while the termite has two. Also, timing is everything as ants swarm during late spring and early summer, while termites swarm in early spring, mid-summer and early fall. Calling the professionals in and nearby Winter Springs is a must if you see any termite activity or are unsure of what type of bug you are dealing with.
Warning signs: Swarms, Mud tubes, pin-holes in wood, “sawdust” and hard to open doors or windows. Survey the area around your home for any indications of activity. Just remember that termites are very elusive and many times can go undetected for years, even considering the destructive pests they are.
What Can You Do To Prevent Destructive Pests Like Termites?
Prevention: There are many steps you can take to discourage termites from making your home their dinner! A quality Termite company is your biggest defense, but there are a few things that you can do to help protect your home from these destructive pests:
- Moisture attracts termites and will lead them right to your home. Splash blocks are great for keeping water diverted away from your home. Sprinklers need to be facing away from the home and anything that would trap moisture should be removed.
- Remove anything considered food by the termites from the area around your home. This includes wood, paper, mulch and plants. If you don’t want termites don’t offer them a buffet. As they will see it as just an open invitation and will take you up on the offer.
- Find a quality Termite control provider that uses Termidor, the world leading termiticide. its unique formula is undetectable and transferable, for instance, in other termiticides, termites can and will avoid the treated areas. This keeps them alive another day to find a way into your home. With Termidor, for instance, they will cross the barrier, infect other termites and die.
