MEMPHIS, Tenn .– (BUSINESS WIRE) – Terminix (NYSE: TMX), a leader in pest and termite control services, recently partnered with The Harris Poll to measure homeowners sentiment about common pests, including termites.
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. Additionally, 20% say if they saw termites in their home they would prefer to deal with it themselves – a false belief 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. “Once a home is infested, termite damage repairs can be extremely costly. Therefore, an annual termite cover by a licensed, professional pest control company is the best protection 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 inside or outside their home, it could mean the home is infested and may have already suffered damage,” said Doug Webb, BCE, a Terminix technical manager with over 38 years experience with the pest. “Identifying a swarm enables the homeowner to take action and alleviate a problem that might otherwise have remained hidden.”
Termites are found in all states except Alaska and cause more than $ 5 billion in damage annually. Since termites usually eat houses inside out, they often go unnoticed by unsuspecting homeowners. Termite colonies can remain 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 homeowner insurance, leaving unwitting homeowners responsible for costly repairs out of 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 plumbing leaks. The moisture allows 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 contact between the wood and the floor. Any wood that touches the floor and the house at the same time can give termites direct access to the structure. This includes preventing firewood or other waste wood from stacking on the side of a house.
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Prevent mulch or soil from piling up directly against 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 damage repair.
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 US by The Harris Poll on behalf of Terminix from April 21-23, 2021 among 1,355 US homeowners aged 18 and over, of whom 622 are first-time homeowners. For a full survey methodology, including weighting variables and sample sizes for 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, the company has 11,400 teammates and 2.9 million customers in 24 countries and territories visits more than 50,000 homes and businesses every day. For more information about Terminix, visit Terminix.com or LinkedIn.com/company/terminix.
