Spring is a few short weeks away, which means here comes the peak season for America’s hungriest and most destructive pests – termites. Not only can these pests take a big bite out of your home’s structural bones, but they also can take a big bite out of your wallet.

According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage each year. For most homeowners, these damages are not covered by insurance.

To help protect your home and your wallet, during Termite Awareness Week, March 3-9, Clark, your friendly pest, rodent, mosquito, and termite control expert, is educating California and northwestern Nevada homeowners just like you on proactive steps you can take to protect your home from these voracious pests.

This year’s termite forecast: strong

In previous blogs, Clark has explained how California’s record rainfall will increase activity from mosquitoes and other pests this year. The excessive moisture will also be attractive to subterranean termites.

Subterranean termites, the most widely encountered termite in this part of the U.S., flourish in the moist soil that recent rains have created. And it isn’t just moist soil where termites thrive.

Wood that suffers water damage – wood siding in contact with the ground or in the path of a misdirected sprinkler system, along with deck supports, fence posts, and tree stumps, and roots – all can be termite targets.

Termites also don’t limit their foraging and destructive behavior to ground level. Gutters backed up with water because they’re clogged with debris can damage wood framing, studs, and supports along a roof line, which can attract termites. Even subterranean termites that invade from the ground beneath a home will find their way to decaying, moisture-damaged wood inside a structure.

Clark Pest Control has decades of experience dealing with termites. We would like to make sure you’re prepared for what could be an active termite season.

Termites are a silent threat

Termites are also known as silent destroyers because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. This underscores the need for regular inspection by a trained pest management professional.

To keep your home protected from a costly termite infestation, Clark Pest Control recommends the following prevention tips:

• Carefully inspect the perimeter of your home for rotting wood, mud tubes, or a visible termite presence.
• If you find large numbers of flying insects emerging indoors, they could be swarming termites. Ask a pro to help with identification.
• Eliminate any sources of moisture, as damp soil can attract termites.
• Divert water away from your property through properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks.
• Don’t stack firewood or lumber near your home and inspect it carefully before bringing it indoors.
• If your home is newly constructed, remove old form boards and grade stakes that may have been left behind.
• Do not over-mulch around the foundation of your home. Wood mulch provides cover for termites. Maintain a 6- to 12-inch mulch-free barrier (e.g., stones, gravel) around the foundation of your home.

Clark Pest Control has several termite protection options

Protecting your home from destructive subterranean, drywood, or dampwood termites is a priority at Clark Pest Control. We offer comprehensive free termite inspections conducted by highly trained inspectors. If termites are present, we’ll deploy the latest innovative termite control products and application techniques to target and eliminate them.

For maximum protection against termites, you should schedule a no-obligation home wellness inspection that includes a complete termite inspection. You also can ask for more information on Clark Pest Control’s Termite Infestation Protection (T.I.P.), TermAlert 365, and Termite Home Protection Service programs, each of which is designed to protect your home from future infestations and damage caused by all species of termites.

Call or text your trusted, friendly termite control expert at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to schedule your home wellness inspection. Defuse the termite threat.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.