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:
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.
- 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).
- Make sure gutters are free of leaves, pine straw, and debris that may cause the gutter to overflow onto the fascia board.
- 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).
- 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/
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Hi Tom,
What kind of termites do you have in Alabama? Here in CA we have two types: Drywood and Subterranean. I usually tell my clients to have their homes inspected every 5 years, but perhaps your annual inspection is a better idea!