Termites cause more than a billion dollars of estimated damage each year in the United States, which is more than fire, flood, and other natural disasters combined. Most people cite their first home as their single largest investment, and since most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage, it is critical that you take the proper steps to protect your home. Since virtually all homes are built with wood, the potential of termite activity is significant.

Common signs of termite infestation are:

  • Discarded wings, typically near windowsills and doors
  • Mud tunnels on the foundation of a house
  • Swarming termites
  • Wood that is soft and sounds hollow when tapped
It takes a licensed, trained professional to spot termite damage. Termites seldom break through the surface of wood but instead hollow it out from the inside, leaving most of the damage undetected. Because there are so few visible warning signs, termite activity and the resulting damage can go undetected for years. No matter what separates the wood from the soil—including concrete slabs—termites can work their way into the structure through an opening as small as 1/64 of an inch or roughly the thickness of a standard business card.
 

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Identification

Visit our Pest Guide to learn more about identifying different types of termites.

 

Tips for Preventing a Termite Infestation

  • Eliminate the collection of moisture around a home by fixing pipes, A/C units, and other home fixtures prone to leaking
  • Store firewood and lumber at least 20 ft. from the home
  • Ensure drainage sites remain clean and functional
  • Divert water away from the house with downspouts, gutters and splash blocks
  • Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for mud tubes
  • Dispose of excess wood like tree stumps or yard debris
  • Monitor outdoor wooden structures for signs of infestation
  • Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wooden members of your home
Termite damage can lead to wood and plaster cracks, sagging floors, and loosened wood trim, siding, or wallboards. If the underlying termite problem is unresolved, you may find major structural damage has occurred and your home needs costly repairs.

 

Termidor

At Dodson, we protect your home against termites by using the most effective termiticide available called Termidor, which is applied to the ground around and underneath your home. Each termite that comes in contact with Termidor also becomes a carrier and quickly spreads the termiticide to the rest of the colony. Since it is undetectable by termites, they cannot find a way around the treatment zone, thus making it a highly effective treatment.