The weather is finally warming up and getting nicer but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to worry about. Though families are able to spend some time outside and enjoy this nice weather, there are millions of invasive pests lurking outside of homes, waiting to cause major damage.
“Now that spring has arrived, we often see an increase not only in temperatures but also in pest-related activity, especially with termites,” said Joe Magyar, regional training manager at Terminix. “For homeowners living in areas that experience damp and humid weather conditions, it’s important to be aware of early warning signs for termites before damage becomes significant.”
Homeowners should regularly inspect every inch of their properties to ensure that no signs of these pests are evident. It’s recommended to keep an eye out for small holes or cracks inside the home’s structure, any wood damage at all, discarded termite wings or pellet-sized droppings, as well as mud tubes on the property.
Additionally, making sure the roof is secure and termite free is a must do for any homeowner. The majority of newer roofs are built (or at least supposed to be built) to withstand weight loads of 15 to 30 pounds per square foot. If termites bite through any part of the roof, too much weight can collapse a roof and cause significant physical and financial damage.
Americans spend approximately $5 billion a year in order to control termites and repair any damage. If a homeowner is attempting to rid their property of termites, it’s important to use extreme caution when using pressure washers. Though these devices are great for cleaning home exteriors, too much pressure can cause even more damage to the roof. The force behind a high-pressure sprayer can strip away wooden shingles and expose the roof, resulting in further damage and a great place for termites to attack.
Luckily, metal roofs are great for not only securing a home and protecting from severe weather damage, but preventing termite issues as well.
Here are the top 25 cities for termite infestations across the United States:
- Houston, Texas
- Los Angeles, California
- Mobile, Alabama
- San Antonio, Texas
- San Diego, California
- Dallas, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Orlando, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Sacramento, California
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- San Jose, California
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Savannah, Georgia
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Tuscon, Arizona
- Louiseville, Kentucky
Though homeowners should perform individual inspections on a consistent basis to ensure there are no signs of termites and other pest issues present, it’s best to consult with a team of professional exterminators at least once or twice a year to address any potential threats or prevent future pest issues.
Other tasks homeowners can do to protect from termites and other damaging pests include properly maintaining the property landscape, keeping all wood and mulch piles elevated and away from the home, and addressing any loose water or damp areas as soon as possible.