We recommended that all homes should be treated for termites.
The termite treatment acts as a chemical barrier between the termites and the home. However treatment alone is not enough. There are some simple rules that need to be followed to keep the termites at bay.
Outside – Remove old lumber or firewood that is stacked near or against the home. Do not allow wood chips or mulch to come in contact with the siding. Check for rotting landscape lumber. There should be no wood to ground contact by any part of the home. Make sure all downspouts drain away from the home and try to keep the area around the foundation dry.
Inside – Check for dripping or leaking pipes. Keep crawl spaces dry and well aired and do not use them as a storage area. Keep basements dry and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Inspect regularly for small mud tunnels or tubes running up the inside or outside of the house from the ground. These tunnels would be a good indication that there is probably a termite infestation. If you find these tunnels, call an exterminator immediately. do not break or knock down the tunnels.
In the springtime swarming termites are often mistaken for flying ants. Their presence means that there is a large termite colony nearby and is an indicator that immediate treatment is needed.
Recommend getting a professional termite inspection of the property annually. Keep the paper work in a safe place. When it comes time to sell the property, one of the questions asked will be “What is the termite history of the home?”
