SAN ANTONIO – Each year in the United States, termite infestations impact more than 600,000 homes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
These pests cause roughly $5 billion in damage and repairs for homeowners. The cost of termite damage, which can be upwards of $8,000 per home, is rarely covered by insurance plans, so many homeowners are left to foot the bill on their own.
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To stop termites from chewing through their homes and wallets, homeowners should be on the lookout for signs of an infestation, including termite droppings, discarded wings, hollow or damaged wood and mud tubes. Mud tubes are pencil-sized dirt tunnels usually found near the bases of homes.
The best way to stop a termite infestation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Prior to encountering one or more of these signs, there are several preventive measures homeowners can take to help reduce the risk of an infestation.
Terminix suggests these four strategies:
1. Trim all shrubbery near home exteriors to allow airflow and quickly dry damp areas.
2. Use products such as synthetic mulch or pea gravel when landscaping.
3. Properly maintain home exteriors to prevent water from leaking into wooden siding
and windows.
4. Ensure crawl spaces are properly ventilated to minimize the amount of moisture
around floor joists and subflooring.
Homeowners with concerns about termite activity or signs of an infestation can contact the pest management professionals at Terminix to schedule a free initial inspection. If an infestation is confirmed, Terminix will recommend treatment options. Following a completed treatment plan, and if the property qualifies, homeowners may be protected against future infestations by the Terminix Ultimate Protection Guarantee.
For more information on available termite services, visit Terminix.com or call your local Terminix San Antonio branch.
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