Massey Blog

Because termites need water to survive, excess water near the house can encourage termite activity. Here are a few common moisture issues: 

• Inadequate property grade. Ideally, your home should sit on a small “hill” as opposed to in a “bowl.” If the finished property grade drains towards the foundation, water from rainstorms or sprinklers can accumulate next to your house and can create moisture conditions which can lead to termite infestation, as well as wood-decay.  What to do: You may need to modify the physical grade of your property in order to drain excess water away from the structure.
  
• Lawn sprinklers spraying walls. If water from sprinklers regularly contacts the walls of your house, you are providing enough moisture for termites to survive within the walls.  Spraying the walls can also lead to wood-decay.  What to do: Adjust your irrigation heads to keep them from hitting the house. Check your irrigation system frequently for proper coverage.
• Lack of rain gutters.  Rain gutters serve to divert water runoff from the roof away from your house. Without them, excess water can accumulate around your foundation, which may create a build up of moisture, a condition that attracts termites.  What to do: Make sure gutters drain water away from your home. Make sure that water is drained no less than 3 feet from your foundation. If you have overhangs or eaves, make sure they are long enough to keep water runoff away from the exterior walls.
  

Check our Termite Home Maintenance Tips area for more information.

Due to ongoing drought conditions over the past few years, termites haven’t been swarming like they traditionally would. The danger with not seeing swarms is that termites are still very active – just not in sight. They're moving, eating and reproducing underground, often right under or around your home.  In fact, they never take a break, making them a year-round threat. Termites silently get into your home through tiny cracks and crevices in, under, over and around your home. Because termites are largely undetectable until damage is done, we recommend a termite inspection at least once a year.  Contact Massey Services for your free, thorough termite inspection today.

Termites don't distinguish between residential homes and commercial businesses. They forage, eat and multiply – 24/7. Because they live underground, there's a good chance they can find a way into your business without you even knowing it. That's because they get in through tiny cracks, in, under and around your building's structure. So it doesn't matter what your building is made from – concrete, brick or stucco. Remember, termites get in through the cracks – and every building has cracks. That's why it makes sense to get your business inspected for termites at least once a year. Think of it as your security system against termites. Contact Massey Services for your free, thorough termite inspection today.

All of the extra moisture that summer rains bring also makes conditions favorable for termites. While it can be hard to detect termites yourself, there are precautions you can take to keep termites out:

• Repair any water leaks and moisture problems. Water leaks in roofs, attics, bathrooms and sink areas create favorable conditions for termites to cause damage.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Keep gutters free flowing and clean to avoid clogs, which could cause a back-up and lead to water damage.
• Drain all water away from exterior walls and foundation. Make sure drain spouts and air conditioner drainage are flowing away from the home. Use splash blocks to prevent soil erosion around the foundation.

Check our Termite Home Maintenance Tips area for more information.