Tips To Help Homeowners Avoid Summer Pests

As temperatures rise, termite and mosquito activity increases and pest populations boom.  Both mosquitoes and termites are attracted to and depend on water for survival, so one of the most important things you can recommend to your clients is to eliminate standing water around their home.   Also, trimming back excess vegetation and moving firewood away from the foundation is important. Both types of pests will live in vegetation and termites will seek wood and mulch as a food source.  

Mosquito Prevention Tips:

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water – only needing a bottle cap size – so eliminate all sources of standing water such as children’s wading pools, bird baths and flower pots.
• Keep rain gutters clean to prevent water from standing in drains.
• Cut back or get rid of unnecessary vegetation near the home, where mosquitoes will breed or rest.
• Screen windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside homes.
• Consider using yellow bug light bulbs in outdoor light fixtures – these bulbs can reduce the number of insects flying around your home.

Termite Prevention Tips:

• Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage every year.
• Termite swarmers begin to emerge in the warmer weather and start looking for a new location to start a colony – which is why now is the perfect time to educate yourself about protecting your listings. 
• Look for these warning signs of a termite infestation:

1. Thin, papery wings near window sills or floors
2. Mud tubs built by termites to connect them from the soil to their food source
3. Distorted areas of paint or wood surfaces which appear “bubbled” or cracked
4. Hollow-sounding wood

• 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 (used by termites to reach a food source), uneven or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.
• Maintain an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of your home.*

These tips can help your listing show better and get you to the closing table with fewer pest related issues!

* Termite Prevention Tips courtesy of PestWorld.org.