 |
| More than half
the country has heavy concentrations of termites, accounting for billions
of dollars of damage each year. |
(ARA) - It is widely known that termites can be devastating to homes, but the
full extent of their destructiveness is greater than most homeowners realize.
Termite damage costs homeowners billions of dollars every year.
Termites inhabit every U.S. state but Alaska. Subterranean termites, the most
destructive species, often go undetected, devouring a home from the inside
and compromising the structural integrity of the house. Termites are just as
likely to attack newly built homes as existing ones and termite damage is not
covered by homeowner’s insurance. For this reason, it’s essential
that homeowners take every precaution to prevent disaster from striking.
According to Dr. Mike Potter, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky,
there are certain steps that can be taken to help protect homes from these
devastating creatures:
* Eliminate wood contact with the ground. All wood that is part of the home
should be at least six inches above the ground, though up to 18 inches is ideal.
Direct wood-to-soil contact by wood siding, porch steps, latticework, posts,
etc. provides termites with easy, hidden access into a home. Likewise, avoid
placing firewood against your home and use mulch sparingly.
* Prevent moisture accumulation near the foundation. Since termites are attracted
to moisture, it’s important to direct water away from the foundation.
Leaky water pipes and air conditioning units should be repaired; gutters, splash
blocks and downspouts kept in good condition; and the ground next to the foundation
should slope away from the house, if possible.
* Reduce humidity in crawl spaces. Ensure that there is proper ventilation
in crawl spaces and prevent shrubs and other vegetation from covering up the
vents.
* Consider hiring a licensed pest management professional. Schedule periodic
home inspections by a professional pest control firm. If necessary, hire a
pro to eliminate your worries and get renewed protection each year.
“Termites are a significant problem in the United States and though there
are certain measures that can be taken to make a house less attractive to them,
the best time to protect a home against termites is before it is built,” says
Dr. Nan-Yao Su, Professor of Entomology, University of Florida.
An innovative pre-construction product that protects some of the most common
termite entry points is IMPASSE Termite Blocker. It’s estimated that up
to 80 percent of all termites enter a home through the foundation. IMPASSE
Termite Blocker is the only product that specifically targets tiny gaps in
the foundation along pipes.
Installed before the foundation is poured, it prevents termite entry through
those gaps with two layers of durable plastic that have a strong termiticide “locked
in.” This design provides decades of protection with virtually no exposure
to the environment or your family. Plus, IMPASSE Termite Blocker is 100 percent
effective, comes with a five-year re-treat and damage repair warranty, and
complements existing termite treatments.
Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make and it deserves
to be well protected. If you insure your car against damage, why wouldn’t
you make sure your home is protected from termites too?
For more information, or to request a product brochure for you or your builder,
visit www.impasse.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
