Welcome to Orkin@Home, Orkin’s guide to helping you prevent and control pests in and around your home. With warmer temperatures comes a flurry of new and unwanted pests, so read on for how you and your Orkin specialist can help keep pests in their place this spring.

Termites Spring Into Action

As temperatures begin to rise around the U.S., homeowners should be on the lookout for termites.
These wood-eating pests do more damage to American structures than fires and storms combined, leading to more than $5 billion a year in repairs and treatments. Even though termite damage is fairly common, typically homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage.

“Spring is a great time to inspect your home for termites and incorporate prevention measures into your spring cleaning list,” said Ron Harrison, Ph.D., technical director for Orkin. “Routine inspections by homeowners and a partnership with a trusted pest control professional are the keys to avoiding serious termite damage.”

To help prevent termites from invading your home, Orkin suggests adding the following to your spring cleaning list:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Eliminate moisture problems
• Move firewood away from the house

While termites are active year-round, spring swarms are typically the most visible warning sign for a possible infestation. Here are several other signs homeowners should be on the lookout for:

• Mud tunnels along the inside or outside of a home’s foundation
• Wings or sawdust near windows, doors or in the garage
• Buckling paint or tiny holes in wood
• Flying or “swarming” termites in the house, especially near light sources

Contact your Orkin specialist today for a free termite inspection and to learn about termite service discounts in your area.