Termites are the bane of homeowners and cause a great deal of damage. That’s why the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), the public outreach segment of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), designated March 7-13, 2021, as Termite Awareness Week. The goal is to remind homeowners of the potentially expensive property damage caused by termites.
How Destructive Are Termites?
PPMA Executive Director Cindy Mannes has stated that termites cause $5 billion in property damage each year in the United States. She also notes that such damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance… which means individuals are responsible for the entire cost of not just treating the termites but also any structural damage caused.
Mannes has also explained that winter weather like snow and sleet can make a home vulnerable to moisture buildup as well as general damage. Termites are incredibly good at discovering such flaws and capitalizing on that damage to gain entry into a home. Once there, termites are a continual threat – causing structural damage that affects the home’s integrity – until they are eliminated.
To spread the word, the PPMA does extensive social media and media relations campaigns. On social media, the campaigns can be found on a variety of platforms through the hashtag #TermiteAwarenessWeek.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Termite Infestation?
Discovering a termite infestation as soon as possible helps to limit the damage, but an infestation isn’t always easy to spot.
Signs to watch for include:
- Discarded wings – This can sometimes be the first outward sign of a termite infestation. They will often be found near doors and windowsills.
- Swarmers – These are winged termites that seek out buildings that have damp wood and damage from winter storms. They then invade that building and their colony soon follows.
- Hollow wood – Because termites infest a building and literally eat it from the inside out, it is unlikely that you will see chewed wood… but you may hear a hollow sound when tapping on affected wood.
- Mud tubes – After discarded wings, this is the next most visible sign of a termite infestation. The mud tubes are built near a home’s foundation to provide moisture as termites travel between the building that is their food source and their colony.
Arrow Can Protect Your Home from Termites
Both carpenter ants and termites can cause severe damage to your home. If you suspect a problem, call or contact the professionals at Arrow Exterminating to identify and eliminate them. For more information, schedule a consultation today.
