How Termites Enter the Home
The most common termite, the Subterranean, builds its nest in the ground. These termites construct mud tubes which are used to explore for food and connect their underground nest to that food source. They can enter a building without direct wood contact with the soil through such tubes. Termites can enter buildings through cracks, expansion joints, hollow bricks or concrete blocks around plumbing. They can find their way into a structure through an opening as small as 1/32 of an inch. Any building, whether constructed with slab, basement or crawl space foundations, can be targets for termite infestation.
Detecting Controlling Termites is a Job for the Professional
A thorough inspection by a termite control specialist is the first and most important step in protecting your property. His experienced eyes can locate the specific areas in your structure where termites attack is likely to occur. Then he will design a treatment plan for your house that will control any current infestation and establish a chemical barrier around the structure to inhibit further termite entry.
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How To Select a Termite Specialist
DO NOT PANIC. In most cases significant termite damage will not occur in a short period of time. But do not delay your decision indefinitely; damage has already stated and termites will continue to damage the structure.
- Compare written proposals. Seek value, avoid making decisions based only on price.
- Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a firm that they have been satisfied with in the past.
- Verify that the firm you select is a member of your state Pest Control Association and the National Pest Control Association.