Termites 101—Learn The Basics To Protect Your Investment (NAPSA)—Posing a risk greater than fire, flood and wind, termites are considered to be a top threat to wood-based structures. According to pest control leader Orkin, Inc., learning the basics about these troublesomepests is the best way to protect one of the most valuable investments of your life—your home. The visual appearance of ter- mites may not be as dramatic as the flamesof a fire, but their slow, methodical destruction of your house can be equally daunting and extremely costly. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cost Americans more than $5 billion in damage annually. These silent invaders can infest your homefor years, secretly hiding and thriving in your basement or attic, without any immediate signs of damage. Understanding basic termite behavior is the first step in preventing these pests from entering your home. Termites: e Live inside wood or underneath the ground. e Can slip through a crack in a house’s foundation as thin as an average business card (1/32”). e Eat wood from the inside out, keeping the outside of a wood sur- Vie # eo am ’ OPN T: Termites, which live in colonies of up to several thousand, have proven to be one of homeowners’ greatest threats. Orkin experts recommend scheduling regular inspections of your home by a termite specialist to help detect and control an infestation. e Distorted, cracked or bubbling areas of paint on wood surfaces. Groups of winged insects or discarded wings of “swarmers’— reproductive termites that take flight during the spring in search of a new colony. While effective pest control requires continued monitoring by a trained professional, there are some practical steps you can take to help prevent termite damage, including: e Sealing gaps and cracks in face completely intact. places such as attic vents, window joints and eaves. All termites require four things to survive—food, moisture, shelter with foam insulation or wood, as it can act as a highway for termites. it offers the perfect combination for fences for damage. Kliminating moisture and remov- e Are social insects that live in colonies of up to several thousand. and optimal temperature. Whether your homeis brick, stucco or wood, termites. Orkin experts recommend protecting your investment by watching for signs of an infestation: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Pencil-sized mud tubes on exte- rior walls. e Preventing ground contact Checking decks and wooden ing wood sources, including mulches that are close to the home. e Keeping gutters and downspouts clean andfree of debris. For more information, visit www.termites101.org.
