SAHBA Home Hints
August 17, 2008
Stop Termites with Property Prep and Prevention Systems
Termites are subterranean critters that can go easily unnoticed. So when they are finally detected, there can be big problems.
“Even though homeowners know they need thorough treatment, termites cause over $4 billion in damage to structures each year,” said Dena Berg, Northwest Exterminating's Technical Director.
The Desert Subterranean Termite is infamous in Southern Arizona. These pests migrate to new areas via flight, making surprise invasions to many homeowners who think they know their property. These termites can access a home through the smallest hairline fracture in the foundation. And once termites are in, they will eat any and all cellulose materials such as wood, wallpaper, furniture and cardboard.
“Homeowners often are unpleasantly surprised by a termite tunnel popping up along the perimeter of their home,” said Berg, a SAHBA member.
Termites only need four hours to migrate and start tunneling. Because of the short timeframe, it is important for homeowners to eliminate their property of welcoming areas. Homeowners can prep their property by reducing the presence of these main attractants: moisture and wood.
To detour termites, homeowners can:
• Remove vegetation and wood piles
• Repair leaks
• Avoid overwatering
Vegetation and woodpiles provide pests with the perfect place to reside near the home and stay under the radar. These areas can become increasing problems when leaky pipes or damaged irrigation lines are a factor.
Maintenance can help, but prevention is the key. Premise and Sentricon are two systems offered by Northwest Exterminating. Premise is a non-repellant treatment applied around the perimeter of the home.
Sentricon protects a home against termite raids, like a security system. The system monitors for subterranean termites and uses bait to prevent home invasion. Only a few ounces of bait material is required instead of gallons of termicide. The system monitors the home, and allows Northwest Exterminating technicians to monitor underground activity.
Details: Northwest Exterminating at (520) 888-5779.
SAHBA represents about 750 member businesses and 40,000 jobs serving the residential construction industry in Pima and Cochise counties.
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