Anatomy of the Termite

Termites are often mistaken for flying ants, but there are noticeable differences:

• Termite wings tend to be equal in size while ant wings are usually longer in front and shorter in back.
• Ants' antennae are elbowed, while termites' are straight.
• Ants have a narrow, pinched waist, while termites’ waists are thicker and less defined.

How Termites Enter Your Home

• Termites constantly forage and evaluate the size and quality of food resources as they seek out cellulose, the primary component of wood.
• Termites follow tree roots and construction conduits such as pipes and footers to gain entry into homes.
• Termites enter homes with an opening as small as 1/32”.
• Termites can be in your home for several years with very few visible signs of activity.

How Can You Tell If Termites Are Present In Or Near Your Home?

Unfortunately, there may be little warning. But watch for these signs:

• Winged termites "swarming" during the day or evening and often after rainfall
• Termite evidence in or around windows and doorframes
• "Mud tunnels" appearing on or around the foundation, under windows or on a wall
• Baseboards and floors which may sound hollow when tapped
• Dead termites or termite wings on window sills or along walls

Most importantly, call a pest management professional who is a licensed and trained professional who can inspect your home and assess whether termite protection is needed.

Termites Cause Damage

How Much Damage Can Termites Do To Your Home?

Termites cause nearly $2 billion in damage annually according to surveys. Unfortunately, without annual inspections, termites can go unnoticed for years while continuing to damage your home. In addition:

• Most homeowner policies do not cover termite damage.
• Termites cause damage in hidden areas, behind walls, in crawl spaces and basements.
• Many pest management professionals offer annual inspection services and treatment warranties.
• The best solution to potentially avoid termite damage is a thorough annual inspection and a termite bait system to detect termite populations and eliminate them around your home.

Termite Risk

You may be at greater risk for termite damage depending on where you live.

Why Hire A Professional?

A licensed pest management professional should be your only consideration when protecting your home from termites. Consider the following:

• It is recommended that a professional inspect your home and identify the presence of termites.
• If termites are present, your pest management professional can show you how the Advance Termite Bait System can detect colonies and eliminate them from your home.
• Even if termites are not found, a preventative treatment may be prescribed.

As a homeowner you should not attempt to treat your home for termites because:

• Termites have the potential to damage your home significantly and thus a trained professional is needed to address the issues.
• Termite control requires training on how to find termites.
• A good inspection is often in areas that are difficult/dangerous to access.
• Termite control professionals understand building construction and how it relates to the planning and implementation of a successful termite management program. Program may involve integration of baits and other tools.
• Termite control professionals are trained to correctly interpret inspection results and understand how they relate to selecting appropriate control methods.
• Termite control professionals are trained to service the specialized dual-stage monitoring components within the Advance Termite Bait System.

Here are some tips on what you can do to work with Mountaineer to protect your property:

• Remove any soil that builds up around the perimeter of your buildings to maintain a minimum of six inches of clear space at the edge of the concrete slab exposed above the soil.
• Remove all plants adjacent to your buildings; termites may follow roots under the building to water leaks. A two-foot wide strip around the buildings should be kept free of plants (including grass and weeds).
• Place gravel around the exterior perimeter. This eliminates the plant root growth, need for sprinkler heads, and moisture problems.
• Move sprinkler heads away from the buildings. Keep the grounds immediately adjacent to the structure dry. A general rule to follow is to install sprinkler heads at least three-feet away from the exterior perimeter of the buildings with the directional heads facing away from the structure.
• Plastic, mesh, wood chips, and other m mulch with cellulose should not be allowed around the perimeter of the buildings. These materials, as a food source, attract termites and the barrier creates a moisture pocket conducive to termites.
• Privacy fences should not be connected directly to the structure. Instead, install metal brackets to secure fences, or use galvanized pipes placed six inches away from the wall. Fence posts should be mounted at least six inches above the ground on concrete footings.
• The outlets of roof drains should be extended so water is drained several feet away from your buildings. Also, don't let your outside faucets leak or drip on the ground. Not only is this a waste of water, but it also attracts termites.
• Do not allow any wood to be in contact with the soil! It doesn't matter if it's treated wood or redwood. Keep at least six inches between the wood and soil. If you notice places where the soil has come into contact with wood posts, siding, or any other wood elements, dig the soil away and develop an effective system of keeping it away.
• Stucco below grade in any form should not be allowed. Structures should be designed and built with a minimum of four to six inches of foundation visible at all points.
• To discourage termites from swarming near your property, install "non-attracting" or yellow light bulbs on all outside lights and keep indoor lights dimmed at night or draw sheer drapes to lessen the brightness.
• Management of subterranean termites is predicated on breaking their food/moisture/shelter requirements. Removing any one of these elements will reduce possible future infestations.