The termite problem is serious and it is not going away anytime soon. As springtime gets into full swing, it tends to bring people out of their homes so they can enjoy the warm air. Of course, the warmer weather also means that the termites are going to be more active, and you can be sure they are hungry.

Unfortunately, your house is on the menu, and you need to take action against these pests.

Many Homes Make Great Termite Buffets

Termites are voracious creatures, and they can do a substantial amount of damage to your home before you realize the extent of the problem. Those homes that have received any type of moisture damage over the course of the winter quickly become a favorite termite delicacy.

Termites cause about $5 billion in property damage each year. Unfortunately, your homeowners insurance probably doesn’t cover this type of damage, and that means that you will be spending out of your own pocket to repair your home.

It’s much better to find and handle the termite problem as early as possible. Later in the article, we’ll cover some tips that you can implement. First, though, let’s look at what’s happening in Florida.

Florida Super Termites

Florida has quite a few nice things going for it. It is a favorite vacation spot for many in our area, & offers sunny weather, beaches, and some of the best amusement parks in the world. Unfortunately, it also offers up a lot of strangeness. One of the latest and most concerning things coming from the Sunshine state is the rumor of a hybrid termite that could pose a serious threat.

According to experts at the University of Florida, two separate species of termite – Asian and Formosan subterranean termites – have been breeding. While it is unknown if they can create fertile offspring, it doesn’t really matter. They can live together in massive colonies that can stay together and live for up to twenty years. The hybrid colonies have the potential to grow twice as fast, and that means that they can do much more damage.

Anyone who lives in the South and who has a wooden structure should be concerned. Getting a termite inspection for your property now, even if you don’t see signs of termites, is an excellent idea. Let us help you keep your property as safe as possible from these very expensive pests.

Some Tips for Keeping Termites Away from Your Home

It can be impossible to handle a termite infestation on your own, and if you suspect that termites might be on the property, getting an inspection should be your number one priority. However, there are some things you can to do help prevent the infestation from happening in the first place.

Make sure that any crawl spaces or attics in the home are dry and that they have proper ventilation. If there are any leaks in the home, be sure to repair them as soon as you can. In addition, look at the outside portion of your AC unit to see how much water it is emitting and make sure it’s not leaking. Make repairs to soffits and rotten roof shingles, and making sure the mortar around the foundation and doors are secure can prevent an intrusion from termites.

Store any firewood that you might have at least 20 feet away from the home, and make sure it is at least five inches off the ground. If you are using wood mulch for landscaping and gardening, you should try to keep it at least 15 inches from the foundation.

If you notice any issues, contact the professionals at Dugas Pest Control for some help. We’re ready to combat your termite problem.