Save Time And Money

While the old rule of thumb may have been "don't fix it until it's broke," today's seasoned homeowners have adopted a new school of thought-"prevent it before it happens." For starters, don't overlook termites. Each year, Americans spend $5 billion repairing the damage caused by these hungry little pests. What's more, termite damage is not typically covered by homeowners' insurance, leaving consumers to foot the entire bill for costly damages that could have been caught early or avoided entirely by regular inspections and preventative treatments by pest professionals. Savvy homeowners, sellers and buyers keep this costly pest on their radar and take proactive steps to defend their homes. Here are four main points to keep in mind when it comes to dealing with these evil wood-feasters: 1. It is critical to get a professional termite inspection before selling/purchasing a home and as an annual task. Thriving termite infestations can be found in the farthest reaches of the home-behind shower walls, in attics, in old tree stumps in the yard. After settlement, new homeowners can be stuck with mounting bills from termite damage repairs and treatments-not exactly the world's best housewarming gift. 2. Learning about professional termite treatment options will save homeowners time and money in the long run. There are many products out there and effectiveness varies among them. Experts recommend treating a home with one of the newest types of treatment available-an undetectable liquid. With this treatment, termites unknowingly crawl through treated soil and pass the liquid's active ingredient throughout the entire colony, wiping out the whole problem in as little as three months. 3. Since termite damage often happens without a homeowner knowing it, only a preventative termite treatment can give homeowners peace of mind that their homes won't be invaded by these pests. Simply put, the cost of a preventative termite treatment far outweighs the substantive costs that rack up once termites are discovered by a homeowner-all the while protecting the value of a home, and ensuring a home will remain termite-free for years to come. 4. Above all, leave pest control to the professionals. While products available at home and garden centers can be helpful, if a problem persists, it usually requires a trained pest professional to deal with it effectively.