Termites |
DOES TERMITE DAMAGE WORRY YOU?If so, you are not alone. Every year termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage, and property owners spend over two billion dollars to treat them. This fact sheet focuses on how you, as a consumer, can identify and help protect your property from termites through effective prevention measures and appropriate use of termite treatments.
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HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TERMITES?
The first step in prevention is to be on the alert for termites. Termites rarely emerge from soil, mud tubes, or food sources through which they are tunneling. Most people are not aware they have termites until they see a swarm or come across damage during construction. Some of the ways to discover if you have termites are listed below:
The difference between ants and termites:
- Examine, by probing, exposed wood for hollow spots (using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool).
- Identify termite swarms (sometimes ant swarms are mistaken as termites).
The difference between ants and termites:
- Ant wings are longer in the front than the hind wings
- Ant antennae bend at ninety degree angles
- Termite wings are roughly equal in length
- Termite antennae are straight; may droop
HOW CAN I PREVENT TERMITE INFESTATION?
During construction, use a concrete foundation and leave a ventilation space between the soil and wood. Cover exposed wood surfaces with a sealant or metal barrier.
Maintain the Termite Prevention Features
Maintain the Termite Prevention Features
- After construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry through proper grading and drainage
- Reduce openings that offer termites access to the structure (fill cracks in cement foundations as well as around where utilities pass through the wall)
- Fix leaks immediately
- Keep vents free from blockage, including plants
- Ensure that trees and shrubs are not planted too close to the structure and do not allow them to grow against exposed wood surfaces
- Do not pile or store firewood or wood debris next to the house
- Inspect periodically to help ensure that termite colonies do not become established
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