The warm weather is approaching this means only one thing.... Bugs. In this recession householders can not nickle and dime with their pest control contracts.

Pest control is a prerequisite to homeowners across America. Termites and Chippie Ants are among some of the most destructive pests a house owner can get. Chippie Ants and Termites both are very destructive to wood.

1 - Termites can destroy homes, outbuildings, garages and other structures. It's advised that you install a termite indication program that may inform you when termite activity is present. One of the most well liked termite indication systems is the Sentricon(c) system. Sentricon works by placing bait stations around your home and when activity is spotted at certain stations, they are baited. Many pest control corporations offer Indication programs that may tell you when termites have been spotted. If you are on one of these programs, when termite activity is spotted it is imperative that you go on a termite elimination system. The 2 main types of Termites are the Dry-wood Termite and the Subterranean Termite. The Dry wood Termite can live within wood, and make that their colonies. They seem to have a wing-like body with a yellow/brown color, and vary from 3/8" to 5/8". They don't need the moist ground to survive. On the other hand, Subterranean Termites need the ground to stay alive. Their colonies are generally found underground, under a wood structure. They then swarm up into the structure. Subterranean Termites are smaller in size, about 1/16" to 3/8". They can be white/ transparent or maybe dark brown.

2 - Chippie Ants are also a threat for homeowners, especially in the spring. There habitat is indoors as well as outside. They mostly are found near hollow or rotting wood. You can tell if their is Chippie Ant activity when sawdust is around. Chippie Ants can get into structures in the littlest cracks. They're generally black, some are generally black, some are red/brownish. They're 1/4" large.

Common paths to Prevent These Wood Destroying Pests

1 - Keep firewood piles neat, away from your place and shed.

2 - Don't put mulch or wood chips immediately against your house. Rake them back a few inches.

3 - Remove tree stumps from your yard and insure dead branches are cleared from your lawn.

4 - Check to insure your gutters and roof are clean, and free of debris. Don't let water buildup in gutters.
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