Halloween is here! And while you’ll most likely get a lot of good-natured visitors tonight, it’s important to make sure that you don’t have any unexpected termite visitors.
Protecting Your Home from Termites
Just like trick-or-treaters, termites love going from house to house, looking for any “treat” they can find. But because termites are not really picky about the houses they infest, it’s important you safeguard yours. Here are some protective measures you can take:
Stay current with house repairs. Termites seek out all crevices and exposed raw wood fissures in their attempts to get to food sources. Make sure all wooden surfaces are sealed or painted in order to seal up cracks. This is also crucial in places like the attic and garage.
Cover vent openings with mesh screens. Attics and crawl spaces, although commonly ignored, are common entry points for termites. Installing a fine mesh screen around vents is an easy and inexpensive way to control against termites.
Schedule regular termite inspections. Most companies provide free termite inspections. A yearly inspection can catch termites far before they have done extensive damage.
Identifying Termite Damage
When it comes to trick or treating, termites usually stick to the “tricking.” And a lot of the tricks they play can go unseen for a long time. Unfortunately, usually by the time you see any signs of termite damage, its already too late. Because of that, it’s crucial that you keep your eyes out. Here are some “tricks” to look for:
Swarms of termites. As termites leave the nest to go and create new nests, they swarm. Keep your eyes out for these swarms that emanate from your house. Also keep your eyes out for termite wings along window sills or door openings.
Piles of sawdust-like pellets. These little”pellets” are actually termite droppings (“frass”) that are left behind as termites burrow through wood. This frass might appear near window sills or doors.
Surface blisters on wood. The appearance of blisters along wood are often caused by the tunnels, or ‘galleys,’ that termites create as they move through the wood.
Trick or Treaters
Making sure that your house is free and safe from termites is the best way you can ensure that termites don’t “trick” you this Halloween. Make sure the only munching happening in your house is done by you!
Need help in Gilbert? Visit Gilbert Termite Control.
Contact Info:
Termite Control Scottsdale
4400 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Suite 9
Scottsdale AZ 85251
(480) 582-6587
License # 8918
