Termite Myths

Across the United States termites are causing damage to residential, commercial and industrial buildings at an estimated cost of $5 billion annually! These hidden pests can be a fearsome foe for property owners who have no idea that they are literally eating away at the building. While it is a smart move to know your enemy, be sure you do not read or hear about termites from non professionals. In the past few years, myths about these pests have become popular beliefs that, unfortunately, may spell disaster or complacency with home and business owners. Here are a few of those myths and their explanations.MYTH - My home was treated for termites before so I have nothing to worry about. One treatment is not enough to keep termites away. The effectiveness of the treatment is determined by environmental factors, quality of the treatment, and the product used. Talk to your professional exterminator like Pest-End and find out how long a termite treatment is warranted for, and be sure to stay up to date on treatments and inspections. MYTH - My house was built on a brick or concrete slab so I don't have to worry about termites. Typically, all houses have a wooden frame. That frame is attached to the slab or brick. Your home is not safe just because it is made of bricks and sits on a concrete slab. No matter how the wood is separated from the soil, termites can work their way to it from the ground underneath. MYTH - Termites rarely cause damage in the colder, northern states but are a big problem in the southern, warmer climates. This is wrong! While termites do prefer warm weather, they can actually be found throughout the United States, even in colder climates. As of this year, the only U.S. state with no known termites is Alaska. While it is true that the south has more termites than the north and some areas are a sweet spot for termites (like SanDiego) they exist and can cause damage in all areas. MYTH - My neighbors tented their house, which caused my house to have termites. They moved from one area to another. It is not uncommon for homeowners to notice termite infestations soon after their neighbor's' house was tented. The tenting of a house does not cause termites to flee to neighboring houses. If you notice termites at your house soon after, it could be coincidental or that you are now on a heightened look out for these pests. In fact, termite colonies can be large and use several houses in one neighborhood. Termite control in one house can make termites more active in another home that is already infested, but it will not drive them to another house.Join us next week as we continue our look at the myths surrounding this most feared pest - the termite.