Bronson Urges Homeowners To Protect Their Property As Termite Season Gets Underway
For Information, Contact:
Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
Liz.Compton@freshfromflorida.com
March 5, 2008
TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is once again warning Florida homeowners that termite swarming season has begun and they need to take steps to protect what is likely their biggest investment….their home. Swarming begins when the weather starts warming up this time of year. Termites cause millions of dollars in damage to houses in Florida every year.
The department is already getting calls from homeowners asking about the “small insects flying around”. These are termites “swarming”--leaving their colonies to search for new nesting sites. Because the insects do their damage behind walls, many homeowners don’t realize they have a termite problem until they see them flying around their homes. The swarmers are winged, black inspects about ¼ inch long.
Florida’s climate makes it especially vulnerable to termites and they are found throughout the state. Despite this, at least half of the homes in this state have no termite protection.
“The single biggest purchase most people will make is their home,” Bronson says. “Yet many homeowners do not invest in termite control measures. Termites can cause significant damage long before a homeowner notices sawdust and other tell-tale signs of an infestation.”
The department regulates and licenses pest control companies and conducts regular inspections to ensure the businesses are adhering to the rules and regulations governing pesticides and pest control. Consumers can contact the department’s Division of Agricultural Environmental Services to find out whether a pest control company is properly licensed, to find out how many consumer complaints have been filed against a particular business and to learn about the various types of termite control contracts.
Most pest control operations in Florida are licensed and have the proper training. But there are unlicensed companies in operation, and it is important to check out any businesses before signing a contract.
The two types of termites that are most predominant in Florida are subterranean termites -which live in soil and attack structures from the ground up, and drywood termites, which can live in wood in a building and can go undetected until they cause extensive, visible damage. Licensed pest management professionals have the expertise to inspect buildings and treat them to prevent an infestation or provide treatment when the insects are found. Termite companies are now required to clearly tell customers if their contract covers both types of termites.
Steps that consumers can take to protect their homes from this destructive pest are:
- Remove wood piles and other cellulose sources from under and next to their homes
- Have an annual inspection of their homes by a licensed professional pest control company.
- Direct water sources, such as air conditioner drip lines and roof downspouts, away from the structure foundation.
- When purchasing homes, carefully check the termite protection history of the home.
- Obtain a termite protection contract and renew it annually.
Bronson says consumers should read a termite protection contract before signing it. Some contracts only require that the company retreat a home if termites are found. Bronson says it is better to have a re-treat and repair contract which requires the pest control business to repair any damage caused by termites after a home has been inspected and treated.
Information is available from the Department's website www.FloridaTermiteHelp.org or by calling 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352).
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