Termites
In nature, termites can be beneficial insects. They break down cellulose, and in the process they return nutrients to the soil. Each year, however, when they infest our homes and other structures, termites do more damage than fires, storms and earthquakes combined.
The most common termites found in Missouri — subterranean termites — nest in the ground. They build mud tubes to explore for food and connect their nest to the food source.
In the process of building their tubes, termites can enter buildings through cracks, expansion joints and plumbing. They can find their way into a structure through an opening as small as 1/32 of an inch.
Any building, whether constructed with slab, basement or crawl space foundations, can be a target for termite infestation.
A thorough inspection by a Certified Wingate Environmental Inspector is the first and most important step in protecting your property. Whether you call us to perform one of the several hundred real estate inspections we perform annually, or just want an annual inspection for your current home, our experience helps us locate the specific areas in your structure where termite attacks are likely to occur.
We will point out areas that are conducive to termite activity and give advice on what you can do to help protect your home from termite attack. Termite treatments are expensive, so we want to do everything we can to help you avoid that expense. If an infestation is found we will implement a treatment plan for your structure that will eliminate any current infestation and prevent further termite attacks.
While we recommend reducing potential problem areas around your home and having an annual inspection as the first line of defense against termites, we know many of our customers want their homes protected from all pests, including termites. Both our Perimiter Plus Plan and Total Home Protection Plan will protect your home from all pests, including termites, moles, brown recluse spiders, other animals, and stinging insects.
Learn more about our Protection Plans:
Perimeter Plus Plan
Total Home Protection Plan
- Don’t affix trellises, fencing or landscaping to exterior walls
- Keep mulch, wood debris, timber or firewood away from your home
- Trim all trees, bushes and other dense vegetation close to the house and remove dead trees or stumps in your yard
- Repair leaking taps and water lines, both indoors and outdoors and ensure watering systems are not in close proximity to foundations
- Fix leaky roofs, gutters and downpipes and do not allow leaves to accumulate in gutters and drains
- Ensure air conditioning condensation and hot water system overflow water is directed away from the foundations
- Keep all sub-floor areas clean, dry and well ventilated
- Seal all cracks and holes in your home’s foundation, which may provide a handy access point for termites