Termites are Silent Destroyers. You won’t notice them until the damage is extensive. Realtors pass along stories of home owners leaning against walls that suddenly caves in… or toilets that plummet through floorboards. I personally see more damage near the back door where firewood has been stacked for easy access when stoking the fireplace. Termites can enter a home by slipping through cracks in concrete foundations. My son had termites enter through the AC ventilation boots poured in the foundation.
Tips for protecting your investment…

• • Keep foundations from moving or cracking. Moisture on one side of your home and dry on the other, may cause foundation movements.
  • Take water away from your home’s foundation by using gutters and downspouts.

• • Keep firewood, mulch and wood chips away from the house.

• • Ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity.

A home owner’s best defense is to schedule regular inspections with a Pest Management Specialist. When purchasing a home, it’s always wise decision to do an inspection for wood destroying organisms. If the home is 5 years old or newer, it should have been “pre-treated” for termites. Ask the builder or owner for the paperwork.