(NAPSA)—Hurricanes, torna- does and floods grab the headlines but homeowners need to be aware of ways to defeat another destructive threat: termites. Though termites work slowly and silently, their effect on your property can be even more devastating than the strongest winds and water. Your risk of termite invasion— as with other types of bug infestations—depends on several factors, including where you live, weather patterns and even the landscaping around your house. Dr. Bob Davis, entomologist and a scientist at BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, offered this forecast: Termites thrive in hot, humid summers and temperate winters. Termites, spiders, scorpions and beetles flourish when normally dry ground is flush with water. Flooding over the last year could mean a proliferation of household pests that thrive in damp conditions, such as silverfish and spiders. Moisture also increases the odds for termite invasions, especially in warm areas. Another pest that is attracting attention is an ancient enemy— the bedbug. After centuries of tormenting people across the globe, the bedbug wasbelieved to be vir- a a ro Don’tlet termites take your home. tually eliminated from the United States at the end of the 1960s. Now it is back. The reason? Scientists suspect one cause is the rise in international travel to countries where bedbugsarestill prevalent. Preventive Measures Homeownerscan help ward off invasions from household pests by following some simple steps: Keep shrubbery, firewood and lumber away from direct contact with your house. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home. *Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly. For more information on pest prevention or to find a pest control professional, visit www.saveastud.com.
