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When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast, they left behind a line of debris some 500 miles long. The waste disposal continues to be a complicated issue due to termites, which have always caused problems for homeowners in the Gulf states, as well as for homeowners throughout the United States.
Accidentally imported to New Orleans in the 1940s by warships returning from Asia, the termite is such a serious problem that the downed trees, branches, stumps and other waste have forced Louisiana to issue quarantines in several parishes, forbidding debris removal from infected areas.
Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Bob Odom encourages homeowners to prevent future termite infestations: "Now is the opportune time to evaluate your situation and take the necessary precautions to protect your home. It would be a double disaster to have lost your home to a hurricane, rebuild, and then lose it to Formosan termites a few years later."
With termite damage estimated to cost U.S. homeowners more than $1.5 billion a year, what can homeowners in termite-affected areas do to protect their property? There are several options, and their efficacy increases when used in combination.
* Dispose of termite-infested material. Do not bury or move the wood to another area on your property. The debris will provide more food for termites. Instead, cut the debris into small pieces. Check with your local municipality for information on proper disposal.
* Inspect and treat for termites. You can do it yourself with Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes. The quick and easy-to-install stakes alert homeowners if they have a termite problem and at the same time deliver an insecticide to kill termites. An indicator pops up when the stake, filled with termite bait, is penetrated by foraging termites, warning the homeowner of termite activity and alerting them to take additional action. Once you know you have a problem, it is important to take action.
* Prevent termites. New buildings should be treated with a preventive barrier during and after construction. In addition, homeowners should consider using termite-treated or termite-resistant building products. Install detection and killing stakes as soon as construction is complete.
Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes are not recommended as sole protection against termites, and for active infestations get a professional inspection. - NU
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