» Termite Alert

You Can't See Them, But Termites Are Working Around The Clock

Massey Services — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

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.

You Can’t See Them, But Termites Are Working Around The Clock

Massey Services — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Are Termites Leaving You Clues of Their Infestation?

Massey Services — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

For most people, termite swarms are the obvious signs of infestation. However, because of drought conditions, termites haven’t swarmed as much in recent years. This doesn’t mean they’re not getting into your home – it just means you have to look a little harder for signs that they’represent.

Here is a quick list of small, but important signs of termites:

Termite wings.These are often found after a swarm and are typically found in small piles near windows or other light sources

Shelter tubes.Made of particles of soil, wood and debris, these allow subterranean termites to move out of the ground to outside entryways.

Bathroom signs. Many infestations found in a home are found in bathrooms. Signs include loose tiles,soil particles, exit holes [small pinholes] and cracked grout.

Small holes in wood or drywall or blistered paint. When termites damage wood within your home,they often create holes in the drywall. Because termites eat wood from the inside out, they usually hollow the wood along the grain. This can cause ripples in the exterior of the wood itself, or cause the paint to blister.

Damaged wood.This can include wood that sounds “hollow” when it is tapped with the handle of a screwdriver, wood that is soft when probed with a sharp object or a thin gritty gray-brown film on the surface of damaged wood.

Of course, the key is to not wait for any signs. You should have a termite inspection by a termite professional at least once a year. ContactMassey Services for your free, thorough termite inspection today.

Late Summer Forecast: Conditions Favorable for Showers…and Termites

Massey Services — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000

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.