Wood - Water = No Termites

At least half of all termite infestations are the result of water, somewhere, some how. The little white bugs just love soft, wet wood. It's like going on a Bahamian cruise for them. But, it's the Love Boat from Hell for us!

So, how can we prevent a cruise through our homes?

Here are some ways:

1. Have an annual termite inspection by the best pest control contractor you can find. You may pay several hundred dollars for an inspection if you don't have a termite contract in force.
2. Make an annual inspection of your home: roof, chimney, caulking at window, water heater, toilets, tubs, sinks, dishwasher, anywhere water is. You'd be surprised how many home owners have a roof leak or a plumbing leak that they are not aware of. On an inspection just yesterday, I found one roof leak and four plumbing leaks that the homeowners were not aware of (two separate houses).
3. Make sure gutters are free of leaves, pine straw, and debris that may cause the gutter to overflow onto the fascia board.
4. Make sure the crawl space under the house is dry and free from any wood or paper debris. (Your house is on a slab? Skip this step).
5. Store firewood at least 50 feet from the house. You'd be amazed how many little bugs can hitchhike to YOUR house.

Questions or concerns? Drop me a line. There's no charge for a telephone chat or an exchange of emails.

Tom Sinclair

About the House - Home Inspections

Fairhope, Alabama

(251) 990-3169

http://www.inspecttestanalyze.com/