Loyal Termite and Pest Control wants to share termite prevention tips with our “dog-blog” fans
Hello folks; I hope you are all doing well. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting puppy happy that spring is right around the corner. With the change of weather comes playing in the parks, chasing sticks and my favorite balls, and messing up as many Frisbee’s as Daddy Nick and Mama Gena will buy me. With the temperatures slowly rising across the country; so does the bug and insect activity.
In areas where termite activity is as predictable as moving the clocks forward an hour in March, so will the potential for termite swarms. To refresh your memory, the first sign of termite activity each season is the appearance of termite swarmers. These are reproductive termites with wings; whose sole purpose in life is to mate and begin a new termite colony. We, at Loyal Termite and Pest Control, encourage homeowners to take proactive steps to protect their homes from the aggressive pest species appearing in the coming months.
“Termites eat wood around the clock, so they can cause significant damage to the structure of a home in a relatively short period of time,” says Nick Lupini, my Daddy and President of Loyal Company. “As a result, it’s important for homeowners to perform yearly inspections and routine maintenance to help stave off a potential termite infestation.”
There are many steps homeowners can take to protect their greatest investments from termites. Experts at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommend the following tips:
• Carefully inspect the perimeter of the home for mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and rotting wood.
• Divert water away from the property through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
• Repair fascia, soffits, and rotted roof shingles. Some termites are drawn to deteriorating wood.
• Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
• Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of the home.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches up off the ground, and inspect it closely before bringing it indoors.
“Termite damage is usually not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, so if an infestation is suspected, homeowners should contact a licensed pest control professional in a timely fashion” adds Daddy Nick Lupini. “A pest professional will be able to properly identify the termite species and recommend an appropriate course of action.”
Let me see, will my favorite little jingle fit here? Ohh Yaaah! Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! I say, Who ya’ gonna’ call? Call Loyal!! Nuff said!
If you have any questions, just give us a call. Just a few minutes ago, I overheard Connie Lesko, one of our Administrative Assistants; explain to a potential client what those irritating things were flying around in her house. You guessed it; termite swarmers!!
I’ll bark at you again next week; with some more valuable information on our region’s seasonal pest activity. Ruff! Ruff!
Prevent Termites from Wreaking Havoc on Your Home in Virginia
Serving the Henrico and Richmond VA area since 1960