Better Ways to Keep Wood Eating Insects Away From Your Home

Better Ways to Keep Wood Eating Insects Away From Your Home

Wood eating insects come in many forms but in RI real estate  I find that homeowners continue to do a number of things around their home that contribute to infestations.  What can we learn and share with homeowners is part of a real estate process.

In RI, as many other parts of the country, we have many streams, high water tables and coastal areas that contribute to the wetness around a home.  All this is a great breeding ground for carpenter ants and termites.  My home inspectors I use for buyers find these insects in homes again and again in many areas.

From massive tree plantings close to a home, to neglected gutter downspouts that do not lead water several feet away from a home, to poor grading around a home, no gutters on a home, living in a high water table area, etc. all are prime possibilities for wood eating insects to infect the home.  It is a must to have a pest professional evaluate your home and identify if you have a pest problem.

If you have had termite treatment before on your home it may need to be performed again.  I have seen homes that have been treated previously where homeowners believe they are set for life now in preventing termites from ever coming back.  Apparently they can return.  Have an annual pest contract with an insured pest company and ensure you have your home checked yearly.

I received an unfortunate call from a homeowner who just bought a home through another Realtor.  Home inspection done by the company the Realtor recommended but no termites found.  Within a couple of months of closing, doing construction on the house found the house totally infested with termites.  What were they to do?  I can not advise you I said but perhaps legal counsel can.  Do not let this be the path you go down.  Be diligent, proactive and wise.  There are many reputable pest control companies in your area to call.

No one wants to find the house of their dreams a disaster later.

Better Ways to Keep Wood Eating Insects Away From Your Home

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~