62% of homeowners are not worried about a termite infestation in their home, but termites cause more than $ 5 billion in damage annually.
Terminix (NYSE: TMX), a leader in essential pest and termite control services, recently partnered with The Harris Poll to assess homeowners’ opinions on common pests, including termites.
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Of the 1,300+ respondents surveyed in the Harris survey, a surprising 65% of homeowners admitted that they rarely think of termite damage when it comes to their own home. In addition, 20% say that if they saw termites in their home they would prefer to take care of it themselves – a misconception that using DIY termite control methods is as effective as using a professional.
“While Terminix treats termites year round, activity really picks up in spring and early summer when schools of termites hit cities across the country,” said Lance Martin, Terminix senior vice president of field operations. “Termite damage repairs once a home is infested can be extremely costly, so annual termite insurance from a licensed, professional pest control company is the best way to protect against these harmful and costly pests.”
Swarms of termites are weather-related events that typically occur on warm, sunny, and calm days after a spring rain shower. During a swarm, winged termites leave their existing colony to find a mate and establish new colonies.
“If a homeowner spots a swarm of termites, whether inside or outside their home, it could mean the home is infested and may have already been damaged,” said Doug Webb, BCE, Terminix technical manager with over 38 years of experience with the Pests. “Identifying a swarm enables the homeowner to take action and alleviate an issue that might otherwise have remained hidden.”
The story goes on
Termites are found in all states except Alaska and cause damage of more than $ 5 billion annually. Since termites usually eat houses inside out, they often go unnoticed by unsuspecting homeowners. Termite colonies can be hidden behind walls and other structural elements for years before they are discovered and the extent of the damage becomes apparent. In addition, termite damage is rarely covered by home insurance, so ignorant homeowners are responsible for costly repairs out of their own pocket.
While the help of a trained professional is the most effective way to get rid of termites, homeowners can take simple steps to make their home less inviting to these wood-destroying pests, including:
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Fix roof and water leaks. The moisture enables termites to survive above ground.
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Clean and repair gutters. Gutters that do not drain properly will cause water to pool near the foundation.
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Eliminate the wood-floor contact. Any wood that touches the floor and the house at the same time can provide termites with direct access to the structure. This also includes preventing firewood or other wood waste from being stacked on the house wall.
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Prevent mulch or soil from piling up directly on the house.
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Schedule an annual termite inspection with a trained professional. Quick treatment and regular inspections can save thousands of dollars in repairing damage.
For more information or to schedule a free termite inspection, visit Terminix.com or call 1-800-TERMINIX.
methodology
The survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Terminix from April 21-23, 2021, among 1,355 US homeowners, ages 18 and older, of whom 622 are first-time homeowners. For a complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and sample sizes of the subgroups, please contact media@terminix.com.
About Terminix
Terminix Global Holdings (NYSE: TMX) is a leading provider of household and commercial pest control. The company provides pest control services and protection against termites, mosquitoes, rodents and other pests. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with more than 11,400 teammates and 2.9 million customers in 24 countries and territories, the company visits more than 50,000 homes and businesses every day. To learn more about Terminix, visit Terminix.com or LinkedIn.com/company/terminix.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210520005673/en/
contacts
Drew Blake | 901.201.7151 | draws.blake@terminix.com
Katie Walley-Wiegert | 804.698-8146 | katie.walley-wiegert@martinagency.com
