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What's eating your house?

By
Real Estate Agent with Signature Real Estate

 

What do you know about Termites?  I listened to a pest expert not long ago and heard some amazing and scary stories.  I, like most homeowners knew very little about the danger they pose on a home.  Frankly, the only time I thought about termites was when I sold my house and it needed to be inspected.   I would cross my fingers and just hope that the creepy things weren't in my house.  Now I know that prevention is the best practice when dealing with Termites.

 

Here are few common preventive measures:

 

  • Keep moisture out.  Downspouts and gutters will keep water away from the foundation.
  • Do not store mulch, firewood and wood chips by the house or in the garage(guilty).
  • Make sure shrubs and vines aren't to close to the home.  They should not be covering vents.
  • Reduce humidity in basements and crawl spaces.
  • Seal gaps and cracks around vents, windows and roof eaves.
  • Remove tree stumps and roots near the home.
  • If your neighbor finds out they have termites, you should have your home inspected.

 

The best prevention measure is to schedule regular inspections by a pest specialist.   Cedar Rapids has a bustling termite population and many specialists to choose from.  The cost is usually under $100.00 depending on your property.  Keep in mind, if your detached garage is infested, your house will need to be treated too.  The cost of treatment can vary from market to market and type of property.

 

Now Google Termites and learn about how interesting, scary and amazing these creatures are.

 

Posted by
 
  
515-402-9435      
wanda@realestateconcepts.net
 
Licensed to Sell Real Estate In The State Of Iowa
 
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who is looking to buy or sell a home or needs help from a real estate expert, please let us know.  
We will treat them like gold!  - The Greif | Augspurger Real Estate Team    
 
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts      8020 Douglas Ave. | Urbandale, IA  50322

 

 

 

Sonja Patterson
Keller Williams - BV - College Station, TX
Texas Monthly 5-Star Realtor Recipient for the Hou

The pest control people here say that termites are EVERYWHERE under ground!! THere are certain things like what you mentioned above that can attract them to come up and begin nibbling on your home!!  Like ivy covering a brick wall...or dirt coming up and over the foundation.  We have had termites before...and it is not fun.  But, if detected early...there is minimal damage! :)

Oct 28, 2009 01:14 PM
Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi Wanda~ It is so smart and easy to keep your home under a termite contract yearly.  I do not understand why most people do not do just that.....

Oct 28, 2009 01:21 PM
Epcon Communities Epcon Columbia
Epcon Columbia, SC - Columbia, SC

Thanks for the advice, good information...   Always good to know more about what you don't know about.

Oct 28, 2009 01:26 PM
Wanda Greif
Signature Real Estate - Urbandale, IA
Connecting Buyers and Sellers

Education is the key!  I don't think anyone ever told me it would be a good idea to have a termite contract.  People will hire someone to take care of other pests on a regular basis.  Termites are silent and we tend to forget about them until they become a problem. 

Oct 28, 2009 01:36 PM