NC Pest Management Association: 3-4-09: Homeowners Encouraged to Protect Their Investment – Time to Safeguard Against Dangerous Termite Swarms

Sponsors:

3-4-09: Homeowners Encouraged to Protect Their Investment – Time to Safeguard Against Dangerous Termite Swarms

March 4, 2009

Approaching spring season brings renewed concern for termite swarms

Raleigh, N.C. – With the recession causing North Carolinians to put off plans of purchasing new homes, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) today issued a reminder for homeowners to take steps to protect their current houses from the unwanted damage termites can cause.

“In typical years, the approaching season of spring is a time for homeowners to consider selling their homes,” said Burns Blackwell of Terminix Company in Greensboro and a board member of the NCPMA. “This year because of the difficult economic times we all face, a majority of North Carolinians are opting to stay put. The North Carolina Pest Management Association wants homeowners to remember that safeguarding their current homes from termites is an important way to protect their investment and maintain the value of their homes.”

Termites swarm during warm spring days and can infest any type of house and its surrounding areas in very little time, often going undetected while doing thousands of dollars in damages to a home. In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association, termite infestations cause homeowners $5 billion in property damage every year. These pests chew through not only wood, but also flooring, carpeting and wallpaper.

“When you’re protecting your home from termites, early protection and detection are the key to preventing costly damage,” said Kristin Dodd, of Carolina Pest Management in Monroe and a board member of the NCPMA. “The beginning of spring is a perfect time for homeowners to schedule their annual inspections from a reputable pest management professional. These inspections help prevent and treat termite infestations before it turns into a costly repair.”

The NCPMA offers the following tips to help homeowners prepare their homes for termite season:

Renewed Annual Inspections Have your home inspected annually by a qualified pest professional. Visit www.ncpestmanagement.org to find a pest professional in your area.
Exterior Wooden Structures Keep exterior wooden structures such as decks or firewood piles away from your home’s foundation as termites can infest the exterior structure first and then move on to your home.
Check for Mud Tubes Termites may create mud tubes as a way to enter the home. Have your foundation inspected regularly for signs of mud tubes.
Reduce Moisture Termites love moisture. Keep water and moisture away from your house and make sure all drain spouts are properly diverting water from your home.

About the NCPMA

Founded in 1952, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in North Carolina. NCPMA promotes the continued cooperation and success of all pest management businesses in North Carolina. Formerly, the North Carolina Pest Control Association, NCPMA is the only statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals.

To learn more about NCPMA, please visit its Web site at: www.ncpestmanagement.org.

###