A home is the largest financial investment most people will ever make in their life. However, dream homes can quickly turn into nightmares if termites cause damage to the structure.
The forecast is for warmer weather. National Pest Management AssociationThe National Pest Management Association (NPMA), warns termite swarmers are out looking for homes that are vulnerable. They will seek out these homes and establish colonies. This can cause costly property damage that is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Termites are commonly known as “silent destroyers,”U.S. homeowners spend $5 billion annually to feed their animals, which they can eat 24 hours a days, seven days a semaine on cellulose found in wood products and paper products.
As spring is the beginning of house-buying season the NPMA encourages homebuyers and homeowners to obtain a Wood-destroying Organism (WDO) inspection separately from their home inspection. A recent survey by NPMA found that 52 percent of Americans had never had their homes inspected.
WDO inspectors are trained to spot subtle signs of termites in homes. A home inspector will typically only focus on the structure and not the pest control. WDO inspectors can also determine if conditions are favorable to termites or if treatment has been done in the past.
WDO inspections are a crucial part of home-buying. Buyers should always have them done as they can help to identify any termite damage.
These are the signs that indicate termite infestations.
1. Mud tubes (used to help termites reach food sources) are located on the exterior walls of the house.
2. The hollow sound of soft wood when it is tapped in the home can be attributed to its softness.
3. The darkening or blistering wood structures.
4. Cracked paint or bubbling paint
5. A termite nest may have small piles that resemble sawdust.
6. If you find wings on the windowsills or near doors, it is likely that swarmers have entered your home.
Contact a pest control professional immediately if you suspect you have termite problems. You can find more information on prevention and other tips at www.termitecontrol.org www.pestworld.org.
