The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) on a mission to show consumers that termites can chew through more than just wood. They wanted to find out what these silent destroyers are capable of chewing through. Entomologist Mike Bentley, Ph.D., developed a series of videos called Will They Eat It?. The project goes beyond what you think you know about termites and just how much damage 100,000 termites can cause when introduced to common household objects.
To prevent an infestation, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips to help make your property as unattractive to termites as possible:
- Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home, which termites need to thrive
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and exterior AC units
- Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles
- Replace weather stripping and loose mortar around basement foundation and windows
- Divert water away from the house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks
- Routinely inspect the foundation of a home for signs of mud tubes or wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, door frames and skirting boards for any noticeable changes
- Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house
- Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually, and if buying a home, don’t bypass the wood destroying organism inspection
Stay tuned for new episodes of “Will They Eat It?” premiering every Thursday on WillTheyEatIt.pestworld.org for a closer look at all of the damage that termites can do.