(NAPSA)—According to the National Association of Realtors, there were 6.1 million existinghomesales in 2008, up 9.6 percent from a record setting 5.6 million in 2002. As more people purchase homes, they need to be aware of how to protect their investments from termite destruction. Termites don’t discriminate—whether a house is newly constructed or 150 years old, it’s still susceptible to the work of termites. Each year, termites cause more than $2.5 billion in treatment and repair costs. Their work can significantly lower the value of a property. What’s worse, these costs are rarely covered by homeowner’s insurance. Two types of damaging termites There are two main types of termites: drywood and subterranean. Drywood termites are found primarily in California, Florida, Arizona, Hawaii and coastal regions. They need no contact with the soil to survive, living within and feeding upon dry sound wood. Subterranean termites, however, are found throughout the United States. These termites require moisture, moderate temperature and pro- tection in order to survive, build- ing mud tubes as they leave the soil to search for food. Whatcan I do? While homeowners can watch for signs of termites—swarms, discarded wings, mud tubes—only a pest management professional (PMP) can provide a comprehensive inspection. When termites are discovered, PMPs recommend treatmentoptions. If your homeis infested with drywood termites, you have the Whole structure fumigation is proven to eliminate drywood termites. choice between treating only the accessible wood or the entire structure. Whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant is the only proven solution for 100 percent control of drywood termite infestations throughout an entire structure, including infestations hidden in inaccessible wood. For more information on whole-structure fumigation, visit www.termitetenting.com. If subterranean termites are attacking your home, you have different options—liquid chemical treatments or baits. The Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System is a baiting system that offers the best option because it provides proven termite colony elimination.* It is less disruptive than other treatments because no trenching or drilling is required, and it uses just grams of termite bait only when and where termites are present to eliminate a colony. Additionally, through regular monitoring by an Authorized Operator, the Sentricon System provides the opportunity for long-term protection by detecting and eliminating future colonies. For more information on the Sentricon System,visit www.signsoftermites.com. *Extensive field tests completed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture—Forest Service and research conducted by 18 universities. "Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC Vikaneis a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Alwaysread andfollow the label instructions.
