The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warned homeowners in 2005 that termites can cause over $5 billion in damage every year. That being said, the price tag that is most worthwhile to homeowners is the amount spent on termite control and prevention. Millions of Americans spend a combined $2.2 billion on termite control every year. At the very least, you can make sure you don’t overspend when you work with a pest control company with your best interests at heart. Plan ahead with a termite control plan from Dial One Franklynn Pest Control and take up to $150 off your new termite contract during Dial One’s Spring Sale! Keep reading for easy tips to prevent termite trouble while you wait for your pest control tech to arrive.
Preventing a Termite Infestation with Termite Control
Termites have existed for over 120 million years and have been causing homeowners grief since the first wood thatch absorbed a little moisture. Unfortunately, termite damage is not covered by most traditional insurances, so preventing a termite infestation begins with understanding what drives termites to infest a property: Eating and Breeding. A comfortable, damp environment with lots of delicious wood is the perfect spot for termites to thrive.
What are the Three Main Types of Termites?
Termites are typically divided into three groups: the native subterranean, the Formosan subterranean, and drywood termite. The most popular Louisiana variety is the Formosan Subterranean Termite, the most destructive species of termite in the world. These ravenous little monsters are universally despised because of their large colony sizes and enormous appetites. Formosans eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and travel from food source to food source using mud tubes.
Termite Fact! To date, the largest known Formosan colony in the United States was found in Algiers, Louisiana, and contained approximately 70 million termites and weighed over 600 pounds.
Six Ways to Protect Your Home Against Termites
All homes, Louisiana homes especially, should be protected by a termite contract. It is the only way to guarantee termites will not infiltrate your home and cause property damage. While you schedule your appointment, there are a few easy steps you can take to protect your property against termites.
· Step One: Eliminate Wood in Contact with the Ground. When a termite’s favorite food is in direct contact with the soil, it makes it easy for the termites to find and consume. Foundation wood, such as wood siding, doors, and window frames, should be raised at least six inches above the ground.
· Step Two: Eliminate Moisture. Termites love moisture and are attracted to foundations on which moisture has accumulated. Moisture can be standing water from rain or puddles formed by leaking faucets, pipes, or air conditioning units.
· Step Three: Mind Your Mulch. If you use mulch, make sure to order it in manageable piles. “Mulch Mountains” can retain moisture and attract swarms of termites.
· Step Four: Tactical Wood Storage. If you have firewood, mulch, or scrap wood lying on the ground, pull it back from the foundation and raise it above ground.
· Step Five: Contact the Professionals. The steps above only work in tandem with a successful termite control contract. DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control will work with you to custom tailor a termite plan to keep termites off of your property all year long!
· Step Six: Have a Termite Contract. Homeowners who inspect yearly and have termite contracts are much less likely to experience termite damage. If you have a termite contract, make sure your property is scheduled to be retreated every ten years.
DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control Offers Spring Savings for Loyal Customers
Once the rainy season arrives, so do moisture-loving pests, such as termites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control wants to be your full-service protection option against pests of all varieties. If you are a pest control customer and are not yet protected from termites, take up to $150 off your new termite contract! If you are a termite customer who needs additional pest control, take $25 off your first general pest control treatment with any new yearly pest control contract! Schedule your free consultation with DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control by visiting DialOnePestControl.com or by calling 504-885-3101.
