One of the routine maintenance items every homeowner should do is a visual inspection of the home exterior. Check for any signs of unusual wear, water leaks, and of course of primary concern in Arizona are termites. Subterranean termites will most commonly be visible on the concrete stem at the base of the home and will look like black or dark brown lines. These “mud tubes” are used as travel ways for the termites. New construction homes will nearly always have an initial five-year warranty, so any activity can be treated for free. After this period expires most exterminating companies will offer a renewal term or an annual contract. Alternately, thorough visual inspections on a routine basis will advise you of any activity and a service call can be made on an as needed basis. Thankfully most damage from termites happens over time and isn’t an emergency issue. However, left untreated the effects of termites can be devastating to a home.
A few key tips to help reduce the chances of having termites is to keep positive drainage away from the home’s foundation at all times. Be sure that standing water doesn’t collect against the house as this is a breeding ground for termites. Another good idea is to keep all vegetation away from the home’s exterior too. For newly built homes with an intact termite barrier under warranty do not disturb the soil within three feet of the foundation as this can disrupt the barrier and likely void any warranty. Even just these few tips will help reduce the chances of having termites, but don’t forget to perform monthly visual inspections of the exterior to double check. It’s also important to keep an eye out inside the home as subterranean termites can get in through plumbing under a slab or flying termites into an attic space. Typically in Arizona it’s not if a home has had termites, but when and was it treated.
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