CA Expects Heavy Termite Year

LOS ANGELES, May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California is feeling the bite as arid weather pushes termites into homes. The experts at Antimite, which has served the southern California region since 1941, recommend homeowners watch for signs of an infestation during spring swarm season to prevent extensive damage later.

"Termites cause more than $5 billion in damage annually in the U.S.," said Michael Tejeda, director of marketing for Antimite. "Preventing an infestation or catching one early can save homeowners thousands of dollars."

It is estimated that one in 30 homes nationwide may be infested with termites, and termite damage is usually not covered by homeowners insurance.

Termites enter homes through tiny openings in the home's foundation. Smaller than a grain of sand, these pests can slip through cracks as thin as a few sheets of paper.

"Termites can remain in homes for years, unnoticed by homeowners," Tejeda said. "A professional inspection once a year will help limit prolonged damage."

Antimite offers these signs of infestation and prevention tips:

Signs of termite infestation

• Winged termites and/or discarded wings near doors and window sills.
• Mud tubes: above ground hollow, drinking-straw-sized roadways for termites.
• Wood which, when tapped, sounds hollow or pushes in under light pressure.
• Termite droppings: tiny mounds of discarded waste with the appearance of sawdust and pepper

Termite prevention tips

• Have the home inspected by a trained professional at least once a year.
• Fix roof or plumbing leaks. The moisture from these leaks allows termites to survive above ground.
• Ensure gutters drain properly and direct moisture away from foundations.
• Eliminate all wood-to-soil contact around the foundation, keeping firewood or other wood debris from being stacked against the side of the home.
• Keep mulch or soil away from the home's siding. It's best to have a barrier of a few inches.
• Remove items like scrap lumber, boxes and even old books or newspapers from crawl spaces.
• Maintain adequate ventilation in crawl spaces.
• Use a mesh screen on all windows, doors and ventilation openings.

To schedule a home inspection and for more information about termites, visit www.antimitepestcontrol.com.

About Antimite Pest Control
Antimite Pest Control has provided pest control services and protection against termites, rodents and other pests in the Southern California region since 1941. It operates 12 branch locations across California and Arizona, reaching more than 37,000 customers. Antimite and its Arizona affiliate, SOS Exterminating, were acquired by Terminix, the nation's largest pest control provider, in 2010 and continue to operate as stand-alone entities.

SOURCE Antimite Pest Control