Jun 2, 2016, 12:54 PM by Fred Speer

Did you know that only 25 to 35 percent of the interiors of today’s homes are accessible to inspect for termites, the most damaging of all residential pests?

Termites and other wood-destroying pests (wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees) are opportunists that look to gain access to that other 65 percent of places in a structure that are inaccessible, where they can begin their destructive antics.

Oftentimes, there will be no visible indication that your home is infested with termites. These are elusive creatures, and infestations can go undetected for years – hidden behind walls, floor coverings, insulation, and other obstructions. Termite feeding and damage can even progress undetected in wood that is exposed, because the outer surface is usually left intact. 

Eliminating a home of termites requires special skills, which include knowledge of building construction, to identify hidden and difficult-to-access areas where termites are likely to enter.

Having your home inspected annually for termites and other wood-destroying pests by a trained professional who knows where to look and what to look for will bring you the peace of mind you deserve.

Clark Pest Control’s termite inspectors focus their expert eyes on the most vulnerable areas of a structure, and they can recognize such signs of termite presence as blistering or weakness in wood, frass (termite droppings) from hidden termite galleries, or termite wings near light fixtures or windowsills.

Forty percent of subterranean termite infestations originate at utility entrances through slabs, along with settlement and expansion cracks in the slab. Our inspectors will start at the foundation and work their way up, examining every crack, crevice, and potential termite entry point.

If our inspectors identify the presence of termites or wood-destroying pests and organisms (e.g., dry rot and other fungi) in your home, they will determine the source of the infestation, then provide you with treatment recommendations. They will also make recommendations for any necessary repair work for damage caused by the infestation.

Protecting Your House

Homeowners can help protect their home against destructive termites and other wood-destroying pests by following the Clark Man’s termite prevention tips:

• Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage and fill in any cracks in your masonry or concrete
• Divert moisture away from your home’s foundation by installing properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks
• When watering your lawn, don't sprinkle stucco or wood siding
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation
• Trim vines, hedges, and other vegetation to prevent them from blocking vents
• Remove old form boards, grade stakes, tree trunks, and roots near your home, as they can attract termites
• Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house, and check it for pests before bringing it indoors

If you think termites are a problem in your home, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to schedule an inspection.

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.