Repair & Improve

WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS

Keep Your House Off the Menu

The start of spring brings balmy afternoons, the thwack of baseball bats, emerald lawns and flowers bursting into bloom. But it’s not all pretty.  Throughout the United States, termites, carpenter ants and an army of other household pests are swarming around houses, foundations and woodpiles, preparing themselves for their annual munch fest.

 
This year pest experts estimate roughly 50 billion termites are gearing up to attack homes, maybe yours.  The unwanted pests cost homeowners approximately $2 billion per year.

Termites typically enter your home in areas that are difficult to spot, like inside dark crawlspaces or basements. Other telltale signs of termite infestation include soft wood in the home, mud tubes in the interior or exterior of your home often near the foundation, and darkening or blistering of wood structures. But by the time you notice the signs of an infestation, the damage has most likely already been done. To avoid a surprise attack, have your home inspected for termite damage. An annual, professional inspection only costs about a hundred bucks and is the best prevention to avoid termites and other wood destroying insects all year long.

Termites are not the only wood destroyers that can wreak havoc in your home. Powder post beetles are found in every state in the continental U.S. and can be as destructive as termites. Usually Powder post beetle larvae enter the home through infested wood, before any sign of infestation is noticed. The larvae then mature and bore their way out of the wood, leaving behind a small hole and fine sawdust – hence the name. They can be found in hardwood floors, furniture and cabinets. Un-infested wood that is already finished (sanded, stained and varnished) will not become infested because adult beetles can’t get into the wood to lay their eggs. Once Powder post beetles have infested wood, fumigation by a qualified pest professional is really the only way to go.  Unfortunately, it does not rule out future infestation. The best thing you can do to prevent a Powder post beetle invasion is to inspect any wood before you purchase it. Or ask your contractor to do the same. Moisture is a big factor in infestation. So make sure the wood is properly kiln or air dried. Make sure the wood is sealed or use treated wood. Don’t store wood furniture outside, in a shed or garage.

Visit www.PestWorld.com for frequently asked questions and resources to find a qualified Pest Management Professional in your area.

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