TERMITE FACTS!

1. Arizona makes the list as one of the top three states in the Country for termites.

2. Routine insecticide sprayings help control insects like crickets and ants. They have nothing to do with termites. Houses with termite problems need specialized termite treatments done by specially certified applicators to precise standards.

3. Termits lothe light and open air. The members of the colonies build tunnels looking new food to eat. They searvh for cellulose which their bodies convert into sugar as an energy source. Wood is approximately one-third cellulose. They can devour all kinds of non-living wood. Their favorite food souce in homes is the paper backing on sheets of drywall.

4. New home builders in Arizona are required to offer a 5 year termite warrantty. They are also required to pre-treat the soil under the foundation of the home.

5. It is a good idea for buyes toinsist on a termite inspection as a part of a normal escrow. Typically most lenders will require a termite clearance pior to approving a mortgage.

6. The average peson may be ale to detect evidence of termites infestation by looking for the tiny mud tunnels or fecal droppings.

7. The website for Arizona's Stuctural pest Control Board has records of inspections, and treatments back to 1998.

8. Inspectors look first for visable evidence of active infestation. If it's detected, the house should be treated and the damage remedied.

9. 97% of the reported termites in Arizona re subterranean. These are the termdites that live in the gound and create the small mud tunnels.

10. Treatment for these termites is commonlyu accomplished by pumping four gallons of approved chemicals into the gound below the house for evey ten linear feet on the outside perimeter of the house.

11. The best defense for homeowners is to be able to rely on a reputable termite treatment company. In addition, homeowners should ensure that there is no earch contact above the stem wall (the concrete slab below the stucco).

12. Treatments are usually warrantied for 1 year. Homeowners should renew the warranty every year. This cost is usually much cheaper than paying for a treatment.

13. Many termite companies suggest that a home should be treated every five years since the chemicals loose effectiveness.\\