omeowners Don’t Try to Save by Skimping on Pest Control (NAPSA)—As Americanslook for waysto reduce costs in the recession, more homeownersare scrutinizing household maintenance expenses to cut out the luxuries. While some home maintenanceis a matter of do-it-yourself determination, other upkeep requires the training andskills of a professional. Structure-damaging pests, such as termites, carpenter bees andcarpenter ants, can cause serious dam- age to homes. In fact, termite damage costs American homeowners more than $5 billion each year—an expense that can be reduced or prevented through regular inspections from a trained expert. “Every successful pest control program begins with a partnership between the homeowners and the professionals,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin, Inc. “Routine inspections and effective treatment, especially for destructive pests like termites, require a trusted professional who has been trained in pest identifica- tion, behavior and control methods.” According to www.termites 101.org, two main species of ter- mites threaten U.S. homes—subterranean termites that build colonies in the soil, and drywood termites that live in the framing, furniture and hardwoodflooring of homes. Many homeownersbelieve that termites are active only in the warmer months, but actually termites can live in and around your home year-round. Somesigns of activity, such as swarms, are easy to detect, while other signs—like termite damage in crawl spaces— require an expert inspection. Often mistaken for termites, carpenter ants are another wooddestroying insect commonly found in homes and are mostvisible dur- A trained pest managementprofessional can help protect your home from damage caused by wood-destroying pests, such as termites. ing the warmer months. Like ter- mites, they tunnel inside wood, and can thrive and cause damage in your home withoutvisible signs of activity. Carpenter bees, on the other hand, burrow into wood, leaving perfectly round holes that are often visible from the outside. Both carpenter ants and carpenter bees are frequently found in porch pillars, roofs, windowsills, telephone poles and dead trees. Harrison says homeowners should call a professional at the first sign of activity: * Large piles of dirt or sawdust underneath windowsills. Swarms of winged insects in and around the home. * Wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Mud tubes on exterior walls or the home’s foundation. It is important to contact a trusted pest management professional if you suspect termites, carpenter ants or carpenter bees have taken up residence in your home. For more information on pest behavior and treatment, visit www.orkin.com/learningcenter.
