Tips To Identify And Protect Your Home From Termites This Swarm Season (NAPS)—This spring and summer, thousands of homeowners will experience termite swarm season, a time when mass swarms of termites reproduce, shed their wings in infested homes and frighten unsuspecting homeowners, who usually aren’t aware that they have termites. Termites invade the homes of more than two million Americans each year, causing more than $2.5 billion in structural damage. However, homeowners can discourage termite infestation by knowing whatto look for. Signs of infestation include: Swarms of flying termites both inside and outside of the house. After swarming, termites usually shed their wings and leave behind small, paperypiles of wings on windowsills, countertops or floors. Small piles of wood residue or shavings, as well as tiny holes in wood, crumbling drywall and sagging doors. Bubbled paint or visible, pencil-sized mud tubes running across concrete or connecting soil to wood. Unfortunately, these termite signs usually mean that structural damage has already taken place. A thorough inspection by a certified pest management professional (PMP)is thefirst and most important step in protecting your property. “So often we treat homes with extensive damage that could have been avoided if the homeowner knew the simple signs and symptoms of termite infestation,” said Bill Clark, president of Bill Clark Pest Control, a leading pest management company based in Texas. “Termite damage caught early can save thousands in potential damage.” If your homeis infested with termites, you’ll want to be assured Tips to Prevent Termites Keep mulch atleast 12 inches from the foundation of your house. Removeall scrap wood and woodendebris from around the house. Make sure yoursprinkler system doesnot over-water nearthe foundation ofthe house. Keepgutters clean of leaves and debris. Make sure yourgutter discharges water at least 3 feet away from the house. Schedule an annual termite inspection for your home.Askfor Termidor, the most effective termiteinsecticide on the market. Termidorprovidescontrolof subterranean termites in three months orless. Call 1-877-TERMIDORtofind a local pest managementprofessional who uses Termidor, or visit www.termidorhome.com.€2) that these persistent pests are eliminated for good. Used on more than 300,000 homes nationwide, Termidor termiticide/insecticide remains the leading liquid termite insecticide by providing control within three monthsorless. “Termidor provides a superior level of control,” said Clark. “As a result of the high success rate, we have seen an increase in customer requests for Termidor.” Here’s how it works: Termidor is an odorless liquid that cannot be detected by termites. It is applied by a trained professional around the outside of a home and in foundation cracks and gaps, where termites travel and feed. Termites unknowingly carry the termite insecticide back to the colony, where they spread lethal doses to other termites as they groom and feed each other. Don’t let these pesky pests eat you out of house and home. If you have termites, be sure to ask for Termidor. For more information, or to find a PMP in yourarea,call 1877-TERMIDORorvisit the Web site at www.termidorhome.com.
