Control Termite

Patio Covers

2007-10-09T20:08:00.001-07:00

The patio is an extension of the house. With a little bit of enterprise one can transform it into a snug haven with colorful and snazzy Patio Covers, furniture, pool tables, grills, plants and curios reflecting individual styles. The reason being that in the present ambiguous conditions, especially after 9/11, many of us prefer the comfort of home for celebrations or unwinding.

Patios with covers serve another purpose. Very often we are too lazy after a barbeque or a lazy afternoon to stack chairs and tables inside or fold the umbrella. Patio Covers do the work for us and furniture can be left where it is, protected from rain and sun. There is a choice in Patio Covers depending on the natural environment and construction of the house. Wood is preferred by people who want a natural look gelling with landscaping or the interior of the house. Wooden Patio Covers are at a disadvantage when compared with aluminum or acrylic Patio Covers. The latter are maintenance-free and durable with built-in rain gutters, while wood needs to be termite- and water-resistant. Synthetic wood is a substitute with one major flaw. It cannot be used as a structural or support material and has to be covered with real wood beams, increasing the cost of the Patio Cover.

If adventurous and looking for a brighter and more refreshing set-up, select a clear glass or lattice aluminum cover or the dependable acrylic ones. These let in partial sunlight and, unlike concrete or full covers, do not make you feel boxed in.

Fabric in different colors and patterns is another option for a Patio Cover. The selection of Patio Covers is subjective to personal choice and budget. No point in copying the next door neighbors or an advertisement in home magazines. Some enterprising individuals prefer constructing or assembling Patio Covers themselves, or using individual covers for chairs, tables, swings and umbrellas. All one can say is, read instructions carefully as a patio is an aesthetic extension of your house.

Patio Covers provides detailed information about patio covers, how to build a patio cover, lattice patio covers, patio chair covers and more. Patio Covers is the sister site of Stone Garden Bench.

Control Pests without Harmful Chemicals

2007-10-08T22:31:00.001-07:00

Garden and household pests - unwanted insects, including flies, mosquitoes, fleas, cockroaches, termites, and moths, and intruders like mice and rats - are annoying, destructive, and potentially harmful to the health of humans and pets. But the use of chemical toxins to control these pests is a problem - who knows what some of these chemicals themselves can do to the health of our family members?

Luckily, there are ways to combat these invaders without resorting to potentially poisonous chemicals. Essentially, there are four approaches to pest control; used in combination they can go a long way to eliminating insects and rodents from one's home and outdoor environment.

First, make sure you're not creating the conditions that invite these pests onto your property. Standing water attracts mosquitoes; take a walk through your property and make sure you don't have bowls of water, discarded tires, and other receptacles that can contain rain water. If you find them, get rid of them. Poorly stored food and stray crumbs can attract ants, roaches, and mice. Keep your food stored in airtight containers, wipe down counters, tables, etc., and sweep the floor frequently, discarding the refuse and removing in from the house.

Secondly, provide barriers, either physical or biological, to repel insects and rodents. Properly maintained and installed screens on windows and doors will help block flies and mosquitoes from the home. Simple to use, nontoxic home remedies can repel insects; for instance a brew of catnip tea, sprayed in a solution around cupboards, baseboards, and other areas, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, can repel cockroaches.

Third, you can add beneficial insects and other organisms to your environment. Adding ladybugs to gardens has been a natural remedy for years: ladybugs just love aphids, and will eat them before the tiny insects can ruin your growing plants. (Some people go so far as to add a gecko or two to their homes; geckos eat cockroaches, and will help keep an infestation under control; you'd have to make up your mind if you really want to live in the same house or apartment with a couple free ranging lizards. If you have small boys, chances are they'll be thrilled!)

Finally, if all else fails, there are compounds, safe to humans with normal use, but deadly to pests, that will eliminate some insects for good. To rid your home of cockroaches, for instance, put containers of boric acid behind counters, in the backs of cupboards, in shelves, and other areas that cockroaches frequent; they'll eat the boric acid and return to their nests, carrying more boric acid with them; the boric acid will kill them and the other inhabitants of their nests. (Make sure you keep the boric acids away from children and pets.)

There are also nontoxic, natural preparations sold commercially which can be used to repel or eliminate pests without adversely impacting your home environment. In short, there are many natural, safe options for eliminating pests that you can use to make sure your home is a comfortable, enjoyable environment for your family, not for unwanted guests.

First, make sure you're not creating the conditions that invite these pests onto your property. Standing water attracts Garden and household pests - unwanted insects, including flies, mosquitoes, fleas, cockroaches, termites, and moths, and intruders like mice and rats - are annoying, destructive, and potentially harmful to the health of humans and pets. But the use of chemical toxins to control these pests is a

The Dirt On Bamboo Floors - How To Care & Prevent Damage

2007-10-08T02:40:00.001-07:00

Will milk or red wine permanently damage or stain the floor?
Ideally, you want to make sure the prefinished boards are sealed on all sides with polyurethane to protect them. In addition to this, ask your supplier if the floor will be clamped up tight when laid - this is important. Sanded and polished floors have a coating over the entire surface. Both finishes help protect the raw material from absorbing such spills however all spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible. If the polish layer is removed the floor will be more susceptible to potential staining.

Can termites eat the floor?
Internationally, Bamboo is regarded as termite resistant. However, experience has shown that termites can eat bamboo flooring. Therefore, you will need to make sure your supplier will impregnate the raw material with the mineral boron which has the effect of improving the floors already natural resistance. It is important to note that the floor is not termite proof, so prevention is better than cure.

What happens if my floor gets flooded?
It really depends on the severity of the flooding, and is dependant on the volume of water spilt on the floor and how long it remains on the floor before it dries or is drained away. In minor flooding scenarios often there is no change to the floors appearance, however instances of major flooding can result in the floor having to be repaired by replacing boards in the damaged area or by sanding and polishing. Long periods of excess water tend to damage the polish on the surface of the boards. Quality boards are engineered in such a way that help them to be more resistant to moisture than a solid timber floor and are therefore can often withstand these situation with more resilience. These built in features include; coating the boards with polyurethane on all surfaces and having a cross lamination layer that includes a humidity expansion gap. It is also understood that the bamboo fibre is regarded to be more water resistant than most timber fibers.

How do I care for my Bamboo Flooring?
Caring for your Bamboo Floor is very easy and when you purchase your bamboo floor, you should make sure you receive a floor care kit which includes a guide to maintaining and repairing your floor. A quick guide to maintain your floor’s beauty:
1. Install protector felt on furniture
2. Use area rugs on high traffic pathways
3. Place mats at exterior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic
4. Remove spills promptly
5. Vacuum or sweep floor regularly with a soft broom to remove sand and grit
6. Quality suppliers tend to recommend using Micro fibre cleaning mops

What happens if I damage my bamboo floor?
It is inevitable that your floor will become damaged at some point. This is no different to solid timber, laminate or any other wooden flooring. The type of damage will dictate the best course of action. Ideally, your supplier should provide a care kit wtih your purchase - the kit should include a number of products that you can use to fix minor damage yourself for example scratches and dents. Your supplier should be able to instruct you or at times even carry out the repair work.

With quality products, damaged boards can be easily rectified. In most cases a great result is achieved by simply cutting out and replacing the damaged boards returning your floor to it to original condition.

The process is a little more complicated for sanded and polished floors as you may require an additional coat of polish or a resand over the entire floor once a board has been replaced.

Mark Hutchison is the Managing Director of Bamboozle, a premium bamboo flooring company in Western Australia. Mark is a winner of Business News' "40 under 40 Awards" for his outstanding achievements. Visit his website http://www.bamboozle.com.au for more information on Mark and bamboo floors.

Termite Damage, a Concern or Not

2007-10-07T20:09:00.001-07:00

When termite damage is found during the course of a real estate inspection many times buyers are told, "no problem the seller will treat for termites".

While it is nice the seller will perform a $1,000 or so treatment the real question should be "Who will pay for the repairs to the structure that can be 5, 10 20, or 50 times the cost of the treatment?"

If wood destroying insect damage was observed to the wood structure of the home, repairs MAY be necessary. Latent damage to the structure of the home may exist that was not discovered during a visual inspection of the accessible components, sometimes repairs are expensive. Without invasive or destructive testing (such as opening of walls or ceilings, lifting of carpets or area rugs or ceiling tiles or insulation, moving of furniture or appliances or stored items or debris), or excavation there will be a risk latent damages may very well exist.

In order to determine if latent damages exist, it is necessary to have invasive and destructive testing and further evaluation by experienced contractors and specialists (prior to expiration of your inspection contingency period) to define the scope & cost of any necessary corrective action. Invasive and destructive testing is usually costly and the home owner is likely to require finishes be returned to pretesting condition. Obtain written documentation from an expert to determine the extent of wood destroying insect damage that has occurred. Obtain a treatment and repair history from the owner.

If your home inspector fails to tell you the above you should ask who is the inspector working for, you or another party to the transaction?

Michael Del Greco is President of Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm. He has performed thousands of home inspections in New Jersey since 1993. He has taught the New Jersey Home Inspector Licensing classes and New Jersey Home Inspector CEU classes as well as participated in developing questions for the National Home Inspector Exam. Michael's home inspector resume may be viewed at http://www.accurateinspections.com/michael2.htm.

Visit http://home-inspector.NewJerseyHomeInspection.com for a list of home inspectors in New Jersey.

This article may be freely reproduced if it is not altered and the above two lines are reproduced with active hot links.

Quality Control Online

2007-10-04T22:11:00.001-07:00

Online Quality Control Schools offer courses in Statistical Quality Control (SQC) and Total Quality Management (TQM). Both the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science in Quality Control degrees can be accomplished online.

Online Quality Control studies emphasize analysis, defining requirements, goals for prevention of defects, and assuring customer satisfaction with regard to managing total production quality. The curriculum for the Online Quality Control bachelor's degree program emphasizes basic terminology and methodologies of SQC and TQM. The Online Quality Control master's program focuses on conceptual, or theoretical, aspects and issues.

Online Quality Control MBA degrees are also available. This is a comprehensive program, taking in both statistical Quality Control and total quality management. Online Quality Control MBA courses include Quality Control in statistical and industrial, engineering and management, organizational functions, and ISO 9000 quality standards. The program concentrates on theories and issues of SQC and TQM at the master's level.

In the workplace, Quality Control is fully integrated into all processes of production. Quality Control technicians are responsible for various testing and inspection, keeping records, and making recommendations throughout the production phase. Inspection teams and production workers review and recommend changes to improve product quality. Self-monitoring Quality Control production equipment is used in some industries to ensure that goods are produced up to industry standards during the manufacturing process.

Find an Online Quality Control School by searching the many options at www.schoolsgalore.com and begin taking steps toward a new future in Quality Control today.

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Quality Control Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

Termites

2007-10-01T21:18:00.001-07:00

The subterranean termite Reticulitermis flavipes (Kollar) is probably the most destructive and widely distributed species in North America. This species has acclimatized to southern Ontario to such a degree that 27 municipalities report some degree of infestation.

Subterranean termites were first reported in Ontario at Point Pelee in 1929. It has subsequently been reported in Toronto (1938), Windsor (1950), Kincardine (1954), Oxley (1955), Amherstburg and Dresden (1968) and Guelph (1975). Presently in Metropolitan Toronto, the termite infested area extends through a radius of approximately 30 kilometers.

In contrast to termites, carpenter ants do not eat wood and other cellulose-based materials, but instead simply excavate living quarters and hatching chambers that are usually quite limited in extent.

Powder post beetles only do significant damage when multiple generations continually re-infest the same piece of wood. Also, powder post beetle damage is restricted to hardwoods, and since most structural framing is made of softwood lumber it is rarely attacked by these insects.

Carpenter ants, found in the Pacific Northwest, the northern Midwest, New England and southern Canada, are distinguishable from termites by their dark colour, narrow waists, elbowed antennae and when present, the large front and small rear wings. Carpenter ants rarely attack sound dry wood, preferring damp wood, foam or cellulose insulation, and do not use wood for food. They are more easily spotted than termites as they expel wood fragments from their excavations, and forage for food in the open. The presence of carpenter ants may indicate moisture problems in the building as they generally prefer already rotting wood.

Several species of powder post beetles are to be found in the U.S. and Canada. They vary in length from 1/16" to 3/8", but generally have flattened bodies, a prominent head and segmented antennae. True powder post beetles attack only hardwoods (particularly oak, hickory, ash, walnut and cherry) but other species of wood boring beetles attack both hardwoods and softwoods.

Powder post beetle larvae cause millions of dollars worth of damage in the US and Canada annually, and are almost as destructive as termites. Adult beetles lay their eggs in the surface pores of wood. The larvae bore into the wood as soon as they hatch. Living in the wood, they create tunnels called galleries as they eat their way through the timbers. When the larvae are nearly full grown, they bore near to the surface of the wood and pupate. The adults bore out through the surface soon after pupation, pushing a fine powdery wood dust, usually a copper to yellow-gold in color, out of the wood as they emerge.

Termite Characteristics:

Subterranean termites are social insects, feeding on cellulose and living in colonies in the soil. These colonies are close to moisture, and can be readily relocated due to temperature or other environmental changes. Termites travel through soil, in wood itself, or through shelter tubes.

In the termite colony there are generally several generations present. The colony is made up of several castes (forms) (larvae, nymphs, secondary and primary reproductives, soldiers and workers), who carry out specific duties or functions.

The female reproductives may thousands of eggs. These eggs hatch and pass through an immature stage (larvae) before finally differentiating into either a worker, soldier or reproductive caste.

The primary female reproductive (the queen), is very rarely found in Ontario, whereas secondary reproductives in the colony carry on extensive reproduction.

The two wingless non-reproductive castes consist of the soldiers and workers. The soldiers defend the colony from outside attack, while the workers carry out all duties except defence and reproduction. For example, the workers feed the reproductives, larvae and soldiers, care for the eggs, and construct tunnels and shelter tubes. The soldier caste consists of sterile adults with large heads and pincher-like mouth parts. These soldiers make up 2-3 % of the total colony.

There are three known methods by which a new termite colony may be established.

The first method, common in the warmer climates of the southern United States, is called swarming. This occurs usually in spring, when large numbers of winged primary reproductives (alates) (top photo) emerge from a colony, fly a very short distance, mate and then establish a new colony. Although alates are found in Ontario, rarely do they swarm.

The second method is called “budding”. In this method, when a colony becomes sufficiently large, or a portion of a colony becomes separated from the main colony, new secondary reproductives are formed from larvae or nymphs and the nucleus of a new colony is established.

The third method of dispersal is through infested wood or soil being transported to a new location. As few as 15-40 larvae or nymphs contained in the infested material may moult to become secondary reproductives and begin a new colony.

The worker termites are white in colour and approximately 6mm (1/4 inch) in length. Their antennae are straight (not elbowed) and the body is not narrowed at the waist, which distinguish them from ants. They have chewing mouth parts and are responsible for foraging and feeding the dependent members of the colony. The hind gut of the worker contains protozoa (single-celled animals) which assist in breaking down cellulose into its component parts which are digestible by the termite. The worker termite causes the structural damages.

Soldier termites are similar in size and colour to workers, but have an enlarged brownish coloured head with large modified mandibles (large biting jaws), used for defense.

Termites have a very thin cuticle (skin) and are subject to rapid desiccation (drying out) if exposed to the environment outside their enclosed habitat. In order to maintain a highly controlled environment, termites must live in a closed system. Colonies in wood are always contained within an outside shell of cellulose material. In this way, they are protected from exposure to the outside.

Often shelter tubesconstructed of soil particles cemented together by excrement or secretions from the mouth are used to connect the outside soil to a building and for crossing a concrete or metallic portion in a structure. The presence of a shelter tube is generally the first physical evidence of a termite infestation.

Damage to Wood:

The subterranean termite is very closely associated with the soil, which is its main source of life-sustaining moisture. Termite food consists of cellulose obtained from wood and wood products. Decaying damp wood is preferred but termites are also able to feed on sound, dry lumber.

The series of galleries (area hollowed out) created by termites in wood give a honeycomb appearance. These galleries follow the wood grain. Interior galleries contain greyish specks of excrement and earth, called frass.

The damage to wood is usually not noticeable on the surface, as the termite avoids exposure to air. Therefore the exterior surface of the wood must be stripped away to see the damage.. Termites do not reduce wood to a powdery mass, or push wood particles to the outside as do some wood-boring insects, such as carpenter ants and powder post beetles.

Evidence of an Infestation:

The presence of shelter tubes over the surface of foundation walls is the primary sign of a termite infestation. These tubes are 6mm (1/4 inch) to 12mm (1/2 inch) wide, and can extend many centimetres in length until wood is discovered. These tubes protect termites form the drying effect of air, and maintain the termites’ contact with the soil.

What you can do to prevent an infestation of termites:

Conduct a complete and thorough removal of all scrap wood and wood products from around the property.

Improve the water drainage around your property. If the soil is constantly moist, optimum conditions are provided for the termites. Repair eaves trough, slope concrete walks away from the house and repair all leaks.

Proper ventilation is essential to eliminate moist conditions. The main areas of concern are verandas and crawl spaces. The amount of ventilation will be variable according to regional and local factors, and must meet building standards.

Break the wood-soil contact. To little clearance between the soil and wooden structures often results in all of the physical requirements for a termite infestation being met (moisture, decaying wood, and food readily available). A general rule is that there should be a 45cm (18 inch) clearance between the soil and lowest horizontal members of the structure. If wooden lattice-work is used around verandas, there should be a space of 50 – 75 cm (20-30 inches) between the soil and this lattice-work. Other problem areas include veranda and basement steps, where the wood is in direct contact with soil.

Termites often enter buildings through cracks and holes and expansion joints in foundations. Spaces around piping and wiring are also points of entry. These openings may be filled with either roofing-grade coal-tar pitch, sealers or similar commercial caulking products.

Avoid storing fire wood directly on the ground. Care should be taken when obtaining infesting material (such a soil and discarded lumber) from known termite areas.

Suppression of Termites:

Suppression refers to measures intended to reduce and eventually eradicate termites from infested materials in a designated area. Suppression methods include systematic location and destruction of colonies not associated with buildings (such as in street trees), systematic inspection of wood products leaving an infested area to quarantine the infestation, burning of infested lumber and heat treatment of reclaimed lumber.

Site Management:

Careful site preparation and clean-up can do much to discourage the colonisation of a new or existing building site by termites. Where forest or orchard land has been cleared, tree roots must be completely excavated and removed along with any other buried wood.

During construction, it is important that:

- stumps be removed

- all wood and other cellulose containing construction debris be removed from the site

- survey pegs and concrete formwork be removed and disposed of properly, rather than buried or encased in concrete

- excavation spoil is not used to fill in under porches or steps

- site grading drains water away from the building

- non-treated wood elements be raised from the ground according to the following table:

Chemical Treatment:

Before any chemical treatment can be done all wood in direct contact with the soil must be removed from the property.

Conventional treatment for termite control requires the services of a licensed exterminator. Several firms in Ontario are qualified, and your Yellow Pages or a Local Search will assist you in locating companies in your area.

Chemical treatment takes approximately one full day, and involves four distinct phases:

Treatment around the exterior of the foundation walls as deep as the footings.

Treatment under the basement floor adjacent to the foundation walls and any supporting pillars.

Injection of pesticide into the basement wall itself.

Finally, all exterior areas where trees, sheds or fences are located are to be treated.

Soil Barriers:

The environmental and health risks associated with chemical usage have led to the withdrawal of several termiticide products from the market. Barriers consisting of a layer of precisely sized sand or crushed stone below and around foundations are an alternative means of preventing termite entry.

Building Design:

Foundation walls and slabs should be designed to inhibit the entry of termites into the building, and to facilitate inspection for shelter tubes. Sheet metal and steel mesh barriers properly designed and installed, are also an effective means of control. Wood products and other building materials should be selected with regard to termite resistance.

Bait, Trap and Release:

Baiting involves placing bait tubes or traps in the ground at intervals around a building -several dozen for a typical house. Pieces of untreated timber or other cellulose-based material are inserted into these tubes as bait for termites. The tubes are monitored and, when termites are observed feeding on the bait, it is replaced with treated bait containing a chemical that the termites then carry back to the colony. The chemical is slow acting, so termites are unable to associate its source with its effects. Over a period of several months, the entire colony may be destroyed.

When no further activity is observed in the bait stations, treated bait is removed, and replaced with untreated bait. Monitoring continues on a regular basis, and the procedure is repeated as necessary. Several companies offer products and services that are variations on this method of site treatment, although baiting is still a relatively new approach for termites.

Points to Remember:

- A new infestation of termites may be introduced through one small piece of infested wood containing as few as 15-40 termites.

- Any such infested wood must be destroyed or treated in an approved manner before disposal.

- The first indication of a termite infestation is the presence of shelter tubes.

- The secondary indicator may be the collapse of damaged wood.

Checklist for Staying Termite-free:

If you live in a termite-prone area, assess your hazard exposure and use the information here to develop a termite management strategy that includes some or all of the control measures presented. Termite management is an ongoing process that with constant vigilance and maintenance can save a lot of trouble, worry and money.

- have a professional inspection done every year

- keep termite habitats away from the immediate area around the building

- clear or relocate buried wood such as tree stumps, firewood, scrap wood, cardboard boxes and plants

- be vigilant for foundation settling or shifting that could open new paths for termite access

- quickly fix any roof or plumbing leaks so that moisture does not enter the building envelope

- keep roof gutters in good repair and ensure they direct water away from the building

- maintain the integrity of physical barriers such as sand or mesh - do not lay soil or mulch over the barrier, or let roots grow through it

- repair poorly ventilated bathrooms, leaking pipes, clothes dryers and air-conditioner condensation leaks that result in termite-attracting moisture accumulation

- do not store wood, cardboard boxes or other cellulose-based material in crawl spaces

Sources of Information:

- Canadian Wood Council

- Ontario Ministry of the Environment

- University of Toronto, Urban Entomology Program

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario since 1994. For more information about home inspections visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com

Home Buying 101 - The Various Home Inspections You'll Encounter

2007-10-01T21:15:00.001-07:00

Home inspections confuse a lot of first time home buyers, because there are a number of different inspections that take place during the home buying process. But it's important to understand the most common home inspections, so we've summarized them for you below.

Primary Home Inspection
The first inspection, of course, is your inspection of the home before buying it. Believe it or not, many home buyers overlook the home inspection, or else don't take it seriously. They are paying more attention to the size and number of rooms in the home, rather than the condition of important elements within the home.

Keep in mind that when you buy a home you, are generally buying it in "as is" condition (unless specific provisions are added to the contract saying otherwise). For this reason, you want to make sure you know what is, and is not, working in a home. You'll also want to know what repairs you might have to make, or what repairs you might ask the seller to make. For all of these reasons, the primary home inspection is essential.

Engineer's Reports
Prior to signing a contract, most home buyers hire an engineer to do what is typically referred to as an engineer's report. This detailed inspection is done on behalf of the buyer and will conclude with a detailed report on the condition of the home, its electrical system, plumbing, heating, roof, foundation, etc. In some states, this is part of the primary home inspection mentioned above.

Termite Inspections
About the same time as the primary home inspection, you will likely have a termite inspection. As the name implies, this inspection checks for the presence of termites or other wood-destroying insects within the home. This inspection is done on behalf of the buyer and the mortgage company. In most cases, you will have to provide a copy of the inspection for your mortgage lender.

Oil Tank Inspections
Some homes also need oil tank inspections. Some sellers will not allow this type of inspection, as it can be invasive (for example, if the oil tanks are underground). In most states, the homeowner is responsible for any leaks.

Well Water Inspections
Depending on where the home is located, you may also need a well water test to make sure the water is potable.

Appraisal / Appraiser's Inspection
Your bank will also inspect the home in order to obtain an appraisal on the value of the home. They'll also want to make sure there are no problems with the home, with respect to provisions in the type of mortgage you seek. FHA mortgages, for example, require the home to have certain features in place and be in a specific condition. Therefore, the bank will do an inspection to protect their interest in the home.

Final Walk-Through Inspection
The buyers will do an inspection near the end of the real estate transaction to make sure the house is in the same condition it was when they agreed to buy it. During this final "walk-through," you'll want to ensure that everything is in working order, and that the house has not been damaged in any way since you first signed the contract.

As each of these inspections take place, keep in mind that no home is perfect. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons of every home in order to make the right purchasing decision. It's also a good idea to have an off-the-record conversation with all of the inspectors to get additional insights, if they are willing to give them.

All in all, you can expect a number of inspections to take place during your home buying process. These inspections are for your benefit, as the home buyer, so you need to take each inspection seriously and consider the outcome carefully.

* You may republish this article online if you retain the author's byline and the active hyperlinks below.

About the Author
Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Home Buying Institute, the Internet's largest library of home buying tips and articles. To learn more about buying a home visit http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com

The Top 10 Time Termites and How to Exterminate Them

2007-10-01T20:54:00.001-07:00

Did you know that “time termites” eat up as much as 25 – 50% of your time? It’s true, and in this article I’ll discuss what a time termite is, as well as what the top 10 time termites are, and - most importantly! – how you can exterminate them and take back a huge amount of your time and your life.

Time termites are activities and people that “eat up” your time and destroy the beautiful design of your life. In my Time Architect™ model of time management, we design a life that is grounded solidly in the four cornerstones – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. We protect these areas by understanding and applying the storm proofing principles.

Just like you design your home to withstand intruders (such as termites), you must design your life to strongly protect against the situations and people that will run right over you and eat up your life - if you let them.

Let’s look at the top ten time termites, based on my unscientific experience with hundreds of clients.

1. Wasting time on trivial items – computer games, gossip, etc.
2. Waiting around to talk with the boss or manager
3. Meetings without a good agenda and/or good facilitation
4. Too many unnecessary reports to write
5. Problems in locating documents or other needed items
6. Answering unimportant phone calls & email
7. People with a negative attitude - complainers and whiners
8. Inability to say "No." That is, saying "Yes" to too many people
9. Interruptions
10. Add your own: What’s your biggest time termite?

Time termites vary depending on whether you work in a huge Fortune 500 type business, or a small company or organization, or are a solo entrepreneur, but these are a representation of what steals most people’s time.

As a business and executive coach I work with hundreds of high achieving business owners and professionals. In my experience, only a very energetic, intelligent and vigilant approach will work to protect your time.

Extermination tactics:

1. Values & vision: Get crystal clear on your personal values and vision. You must know what matters most to you and where you are going in order to be able to make choices that support the best use of your time.

2. Planning: When you create annual, monthly, weekly and daily goals, plan with your values and vision clearly in mind. This way, you will focus in on your highest value activities.

3. Systems: Get good systems in place. Be able to find immediately any information or tools you need in your business or organization. These systems are highly individual. Feel free to contact me for information on resources to help you get organized.

4. Boundaries: Erect strong barriers around yourself – you can think of this as a sturdy fence with an electronic gate around your house (and life) that only grants access to those people and activities that fit in with your priorities. This is a challenge to anyone who likes to think of themselves as a “nice person,” which is many of us. It takes some practice to regroove our neural pathways to hold a new belief that having boundaries is not only OK, but downright healthy. (For more on strong boundaries, contact me for an article that goes into more depth on that topic.)

So get crystal clear on your values and vision, create a good plan, install excellent systems, and erect strong boundaries. When you implement just one of these suggestions each month, in a year you will have 12 awesome new habits that will help you take back 25-50% of your time…and your life. Congratulations: your time termites will have been exterminated.

Ready to be a power professional? Get business coach Anne Alexander’s free 8 part e-course "Maximize Your Professional Success," at http://www.authentic-alternatives.com/maximizenow.htm .Warning! For real people only. No fakers, please.

Home Invasion: How To Prevent Termites From Taking Over Your Home

2007-09-17T01:35:00.001-07:00

They are focused in their pursuits, they are abundant in number, and they are probably nibbling on your home right now. What am I referring to? Termites! One of the few insect colonies to eat continuously, a typical single termite colony can completely consume 2.3 linear feet of 2x4 pine in one single year. If that does not sound like much to you, consider the seriousness of the situation if that 2x4 was also one of the supporting beams of your house. Keep in mind also that where there is one termite colony there are usually others, clustered together in pursuit of food. Suddenly, that 2.3 linear feet seems significant, and it is, especially when it is multiplied four or five times.

Termites are one of the biggest contributors to home destruction, costing a staggering $1 billion in damages each year. Thanks to the importing of the voracious Formosan termite from East Asia, that amount continues to skyrocket. Think about the following numbers for a moment. A termite colony consists of anywhere from 350,000 to well over a million workers, soldiers, and swarmers (termites with wings). A single termite queen can lay thousands of eggs per day and live between 30 and 50 years. That means a queen can recoup her losses and repopulate her colony even after tremendous devastation. This means the best way to fight this foe is to prevent them from ever touching your home.

Before we can look at how to prevent them, let’s look at the conditions that attract termites to an area:

Soil: Most termites are subterranean, meaning that they build their colonies in the ground. They love the soil and build elaborate tunnel systems, called galleries, extending up to three feet below the surface. Termites will often use this versatile building material to create mud tubes leading from their underground colonies to above ground food sources, like the wood in your home.

Wood: Termites will consume any material that contains cellulose, and since wood contains a great deal of cellulose, termites devour wood voraciously. If a single piece of wood touches the ground, be certain that a colony of termites somewhere will know about it. Although some subterranean termites will consume other materials like vegetation, dung, and humus, their primary source of food, and their favorite, is wood.

Water: As with most living things, termites generally cannot survive without a source of water present. Whether in the form of a leaky faucet or the natural precipitation process of rain, termites will always seek some source of moisture to survive.

Now that the three conditions for termite survival have been identified, we can now look at ways to prevent termites from infesting your home:

1. Identify and fix all water leaks in your home, both internal and external. As mentioned above, termites need water, and it does not matter where they get it. If the water source comes from your home, all the better for the colony. It means they do not have to work as hard. Eliminating their water source removes one of the three requirements for survival.

2. Remove any brush or heavy growth from around your home. Vegetation can create areas of intense moisture, which is necessary for colony survival. Termites like it wet, so try and disappoint them as much as possible.

3. Eliminate any standing or pooling water from around your home.

4. Store all excess building materials and firewood away from the house. Remember that wood is their primary food source. Scrap wood touching the ground is an open invitation to hungry termites. If your property is not large enough for wood storage away from the house, create barriers beneath the wood to prevent direct access to the termites. Thick concrete slabs or heavy duty metal stands can be used to raise the wood off of the ground.

5. Use treated lumber for any wooden structures that will have direct contact with the ground. The chemicals in treated lumber do not guarantee that termites will not invade the wood, but they can act as a deterrent for decks and patios made out of treated lumber. Home improvement centers now offer concrete supports that raise the wooden support beams for decks and patios off of the ground. This would be a great way to avoid wood to ground contact.

6. Avoid using mulch near your home. Mulch provides two things to hungry termites: a food source and a water source. The qualities of mulch that make it attractive for use in the garden are the very qualities that attract termites. If mulch is placed near the exterior of your home, it is only a small step for a colony to move into your walls. As an alternative to wood mulch, try using one of the newer rubber mulches now available at your local home improvement center. They have the look of mulch and the benefits of mulch without providing the risks.

7. Never bury waste lumber or wood scraps in your yard. It acts as a magnet to termites and directs them to your property.

8. Remove any dead trees, old stumps, or roots in your yard. As these items decay, they attract termites to the area by providing a food source. When the food is gone, the termite colony will look for new sources of food. This includes your house.

9. Seal any cracks or holes within the foundation of your home. This will help prevent easy access for wandering termites.

10. Keep all gutters and waterlines clean of debris. Clogged gutters and waterlines leak, creating pools of water close to the house.

11. Make sure your home is properly ventilated, including your attic and internal crawl space areas. Adequate airflow prevents the buildup of moisture needed by termite colonies.

12. Periodically, get your home inspected for termite damage. A once-a-year inspection can save your home with early detection. If termites are not found in the home, the trained pest control specialists can at least offer recommendations to help you prevent an invasion. They may catch something you missed.

So what happens if you take all of these precautions and termites still begin to munch on your home? Use a pest control specialist in your area to help you deal with the problem. Here are a few of the treatment options that are currently on the market:

Liquid Termiticide: This liquid pesticide is generally applied around the foundation of the house, as well as underneath the foundation. For new construction sites, the termiticide is applied to the graded soil as the home is being built, but for existing buildings, the foundation is partially dug out and drilled to ensure proper coverage. There are termiticides on the market that act as barriers and repellents to termite invasions, and there are termiticides that act as nerve poisons, killing the termites upon exposure.

Subterranean Bait: Rather than acting as a deterrent to termite invasion, termite baits attempt to eliminate the colony at its source. Bait stations are set in the ground every ten feet or so around the perimeter of the home. The treatment begins when untreated wood segments are installed in the bait units to determine if termites are active around the house. The units are checked once a week, and if live termites are found, the wood is replaced with a toxic bait that is ingested by the termites and carried back to the colony. The toxins in the bait affect the termites by preventing the molting process, causing them to die ‘within their shell’. This long acting toxin allows the termites to both ingest the poison and carry it back to share with their colony. Special bait units can also be installed inside the home if termites damage is evident. A new series of bait traps have been developed by Dow Agrosciences to fight the more aggressive Formosan termite, which can penetrate cement, brick, heavy duty plastics, and high-pressure water lines just to get to food and water sources.

The best treatment option is a combination of termiticides and bait units setup both in the ground and throughout the house. Termites are hard to kill, and they are even harder to eradicate, so be tenacious in your efforts. Your best bet is to call a professional to help you. Over the counter solutions do not offer the same level of effectiveness that professional grade products do. Your house is one of your greatest commitments you will ever make. It is worth protecting the right way by getting the help of professionals who know what they are doing. But remember. In this case, an ounce of prevention really can take you far, ensuring a better chance of keeping these nasty bugs from eating up your investment before you have a chance to truly enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Author Ian White is founder of Housecarers.com House Sitting Directory Have your home secure, Gardens neat and pets cared for in their own environment, while you are away. Match with House Sitters in your area, and join this growing world wide trend.

Knowledge Is Important When Buying A Home

2007-09-17T01:33:00.005-07:00

When you are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for a home, you need to make sure that what you are getting is well worth it.

No home is absolutely perfect. You can always expect to have to spend something on your new home. The average is $6,000 within the first six months, according to industry experts. In a time when you should be looking at paint samples and new furniture, why would you want to spend your time on repairing what you just bought?

A professional home inspection is key to truly understanding the home you are purchasing. You want to turn to a reliable inspector that is a member of an association that establishes strict requirements for membership, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors and the National Association of Home Inspectors.

The inspector should provide you with a list of what the inspection will result in. For example, some inspectors will not inspect for termites or termite damage, indoor air quality or the potential of mold to cause illness. The inspector should remind you that the inspection report is not a guarantee. The inspector is not liable for any repairs as a result of his or her performance.

But even though you hire an inspector, you are still responsible for doing a little investigating yourself. For example, even if your lender doesn't require it, hire a termite inspector. But have the inspector look for all pests. Termites aren't the only pests that cause damage. So do carpenter bees, rats, squirrels and scorpions.

You may have received a disclosure form with the signed contract for purchase. Many states require that the seller fill out this disclosure. But don't let yourself rely only on this report. Many issues are forgotten about or not considered major by the owner. Yes, the basement got wet twice in the last ten years, but they could forget about it or not consider it a problem.

Disclosure issues usually arise because buyers expect the disclosure to hold more power than it really does. Make sure that your inspector has a copy of the disclosure and will look at any issues brought up by the seller.

When it comes to buying a home, you need to know everything you can about the home, neighborhood, market conditions and mortgage options. Your knowledge will give you an added negotiating tool when dealing with agents, lenders and sellers. Make sure that you have a full understanding of each step.

Martin Lukac, represents http://www.RateEmpire.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies! Visit http://www.RateEmpire.com today.

Infrared Camera Applications - How Many Do You Know?

2007-09-17T01:33:00.003-07:00

The infrared camera might as well be the next James Bond. Not only is it as suave and versatile, it is also as ingenious. It has a wide array of uses for different types of applications and industries.

Here are a few of the different infrared camera applications.

Picture-perfect
Photography is one infrared camera application we see every day. Infrared cameras help you take the perfect shot because they show unusual tonality that is so distinctive from that of regular cameras. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however. While some photographers would rhapsodize over the pictures taken through this particular infrared camera application, others might run out of the darkroom screaming.

Termite Terminator
Seasoned building inspectors can very well appreciate this type of infrared camera application. Sick of termites? Infrared cameras may be used to look for them. With the use of infrared cameras, inspectors can check for termite presence in the electrical and plumbing systems of your house.

Driving Duty
The automobile industry benefits from this infrared camera application. BMW automakers recognize the power of infrared cameras. They developed the Pathfinder, which is located in the grill and powered by the car's battery. This technology can be used to help drivers see beyond the range of the headlights.

Transformer Checker
Not only do infrared cameras improve car vision, they can also be used to check on transformers. Infrared camera application of this type helps utility firms identify transformers that are on the verge of exploding.

Doctor, Doctor!
Diagnostics is one infrared camera application that has been seeing much use in clinics and hospitals. Infrared cameras may be used to check internal organs and minute parts of our body. They can probe where no one and nothing else could.

Space Cadet
One common infrared camera application lies beyond the stars. NASA used infrared cameras to learn more about space. In particular, they use infrared cameras to gather information about stars.

Everyday Security
Beefing up day-to-day security is yet another common infrared camera application. With the use of infrared cameras, security detail can sweep people and areas for dangerous weapons, bugs, and the like. This type of infrared camera application sees the most use in airports, borders, dams, and nuclear power plants.

The many infrared camera applications enumerated above are but a few of the many uses of infrared technology. There is no doubt that in the years to come, the list will continue to expand faster than you could say, "infrared!"

Wanna know more cool infrared camera applications? Visit our site today and discover how surveillance camera systems and home security cameras are changing the way we live.

The Process Of Killing Termites

2007-09-17T01:33:00.001-07:00

Everyone who has ever had termites likes the phrase killing termites. The reason would be they know the destructive ways of the termite and the cost to get rid of them and the cost of fixing a building that was infested with the annoying insects.

You might want to have professional help when killing termites, or with the right information, you may decide you can do the job yourself. Either way you decide, it needs to be done right and quickly to prevent any more damage than they already created.

Learn about killing termites from how to articles and follow the instructions very carefully to protect yourself and the environment. The proper chemicals and the proper method needs to be used in killing the pesky termites. With the help of some reading materials, you can decide on killing termites yourself and saving money or with a company that specializes in the job.

The though of spending thousands to hire a professional exterminator might be the way to go if you feel unsure of yourself when attempting to kill termites. Always get estimates and choose the one best qualified for the job. Remember, cheap is not always the most qualified or the best.

Some companies advertise on the internet now as a way to tell potential customers about their business and give some good advice before calling. If you know you have termites and have an idea where they are, you can save the professional time. Most of these companies do offer free evaluations and estimates prior to doing business.

If the termite extermination is done correctly, you should not have to worry about becoming infested again. Some professional services offer a warranty that comes in handy if the termites seem to reappear. You cannot give yourself this kind of warranty if you do it yourself.

Everything comes down to killing termites

and ridding your home and property of these damaging insects. A long story short, take into consideration, the infestation, and the length of time they have been there and the areas they are located currently before deciding if you are capable of killing termites yourself.

Look around your house and look around the internet for articles on termites that will help you decide what the right way would be for killing termites that have invaded your home or yard. This will help you end a potentially dangerous and painful situation.

You can also find more info on Facts About Termites and Home Treatment Of Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Termite and Moisture Damage Not Reported

2007-09-17T01:32:00.001-07:00

I have done so many appraisals where I saw obvious damage that was not reported by the other inspectors. The first couple of times I thought it was just carelessness. I came to realize it was the same agents who had found what I call pocket contractors or repeat business. Most buyers are not aware of this problem but believe me it is a big one.

I remember one very nice fairly new house and I saw what appeared to be moisture damage as soon as I pulled up to the curb. It was on the first and second floor window frames. Also there was a paladium window that leaked on the second floor of the foyer. When I got done with the appraisal, I made the report "subject to" the specific itemized repairs and termite and moisture inspection. The loan processor immediately called me and said they had a clear letter from the termite and moisture inspection and nothing was mentioned in the home inspection with regards to those problems. I didn't change anything. A few days later the mortgage company called and said the repairs had been completed and to do a final inspection. I returned to the house. The first thing I noticed was the second floor fascia and sills looked exactly the same. Everything had been done on the first floor. We got the huge heavy ladder out which infuriated me, as I don't like heights and that someone would try to fool me by doing the obvious, clearly visible repairs.

I climbed up the ladder and stuck my pencil in the wood, it sunk right in like a chop stick in pudding. Then a big hunk came off. I called the mortgage company and rejected the repairs. I was called again and they weren't complete. The repairman was supposed to finish in the afternoon and the loan was to close the following morning. The new owner was a doctor at VA and didn't have any flexability in her schedule. The carpenter apologized to me that the agent had not told him about that or he would have done it.

I didn't tell him that I knew the agent and deceipt was her profession. He ran out of the right sized wood so I suggested that he improvise by putting a piece of trim at the top front with caulk just to prevent element exposure. I was there until 8:30 p.m. before it was complete and I could approve it. The agent is still practicing and I am sure using the same inspectors. How sad. P.S You know who you are Ann.

Suzie is a licensed real estate broker and certified residential appraiser with twenty years of experience. Other professionals in the field have contributed as well. They are brokers, agents, appraisers and educators. http://www.freewebs.com/realestatenews

How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Deck - Durability Factors

2007-09-17T01:31:00.003-07:00

Perhaps the most important consideration in choosing the lumber species to use for exterior decking is the durability characteristics of the lumber to be used. Unfortunately this is not a precise science as wood is a natural species, with significant variations even within the same species. For example a species grown in one country may have significantly different durability characteristics to the same species grown in another country. This may be due to more rapid growth, harvesting at an earlier age or to a lesser extent, differences in processing. Furthermore, similar species may have sub-species which could exhibit totally different durability characteristics.

Due care should be taken that any wood does not contain the outside sapwood. Sapwood of most hardwood species is non durable and will decay quite rapidly even if the heartwood itself is rated as highly durable. With some cypress species in particular, the sapwood is prone to decay extremely quickly. Fortunately sapwood is generally a lighter color, so can be reasonably easily distinguished.

To a large extent, the denser, harder lumber species generally possess higher durability properties. These are often referred to as Class 1 or “Highly durable”. Examples of such species includes Ipe, Cumaru, Tallowwood and Ironbark. Under normal conditions, not in permanent contact with water, such species can be expected to resist decay and insect attack for at least 25 years and up to 50 years.

The next group is Class 2 where the lumber species are termed “Durable”. Lumber species included in this group also exhibit exceptional durability characteristics and the wood can typically be expected to have life of 15 to 25 years or more. Some species in this group closely approach the performance of the Class 1 timbers even under severe conditions of service and in fact all species in this group may be regarded as approximating the service of Class 1 timbers where conditions are less severe, as in typical decking. This group includes a large range of species including Teak, Jarrah, Jatoba, Bongossi, Purpleheart, Selangan batu, Western Red Cedar, Merbau, Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, River Red Gum etc.

The third group, Class 3 is termed “Moderately Durable”. Such species will give good service without preservative treatment if clear of the ground and used in conditions of low termite hazard and involving only intermittent wetting followed by reasonably rapid drying. Such timbers can still be used for exterior decks but it would probably not be advisable to use such species in severe weather conditions unless a maintenance regime involving the application of good quality decking oil is carried out at regular intervals. Species in this group include Cambara, Kempas, Karri, Eucalyptus saligna.

The final group Class 4 is termed “Non Durable”. Timber species in this group are considered unsuitable for exposed decking because of their low natural durability.

But apart from resistance to the ravages of sunlight, rainfall and humidity, in many locations there is another factor to consider – termites. There is no direct correlation between durability and resistance to termite attack so care needs to be taken in termite prone areas. Suitable species with high resistance to termite attack would include Ipe, Cumaru, Jatoba, Teak, Jarrah, Selangan batu etc.

Finally and perhaps of lesser importance is that the lumber chosen should not twist, cup or deform in service. This requires some skill and experience on the part of the lumber mill as the majority of hardwoods require carefully controlled kiln drying to bring the moisture content of the wood down from more than 25% with freshly cut timber to approximately 16%. If the timber is dried to fast it can crack and twist when in service. Even when properly kiln dried, all timber will expand and contract to some extent in service particularly in damp conditions. In such conditions, a timber species with a low shrinkage rate may be preferable. Such species would include Ipe, Selangan batu, Merbau and Teak amongst others.

So in selecting the most appropriate species of lumber for decking, durability is a critical factor but it’s not such a clear cut decision as may be assumed at first glance.

About the author: Malcolm Kay is the CEO of Intex Pacific Pty. Ltd. an international supplier of landscape materials including modular decking tiles. For more information see http://www.swiftdeck.com.

Yes, Wood Mulch Attracts Termites

2007-09-17T01:31:00.001-07:00

Organic matter such as mulch attracts termites and provides a way for termites to travel from one location to the next. Mulch retains moisture, which termites thrive on and is usually placed along the foundation of homes. Here comes the termites and you gave them a ride right to the door.

In other words, man made mulch is better than organic mulch. The termites prefer the organic to the man made mulch, which has pebbles, plastic and rubber to name a few things, which termites do not attract to at all. Wood mulch is made from many different things including grass clippings, pine chunks, wood shavings and bark to name a few.

People use mulch for different reasons; one is for decoration and for flower or vegetable gardens. Mulch keeps the ground temperature and this adds to the attraction of termites. Therefore, this reason alone tells us wood mulch attracts termites. Mulch is also high in cellulose because of the material that makes up the organic material.

Treating the mulch with a termite pesticide can help to keep termites away. However, this may cause the termite into your home faster than they would normally seek out your home. It is all a part of learning with termites. They seem to be smarter than we are and we are considered very intelligent. Treat mulch with a chemical or a home remedy.

Boric acid, although this cheap treatment is considered safe around children, your pets may not have the same fortune. The diluted boric acid aids in the treatment of ridding your mulch of termites and is a chemical used in insecticides. Use with caution around pets and other wildlife so you have no additional problems. This is just one of the methods to get rid of termites. You can also use a commercial pesticide to spray on your mulch, but always check the directions before you do in case there are things like vegetables that cannot be exposed to this pesticide.

Always check your wood mulch, because now you know wood mulch attracts termites. If you do use this type of mulch, treat it to ensure you do not create a headache for yourself down the road. You might just want to try the man made mulch, which should be free from termites. Now you know for sure wood mulch attracts termites.

You can also find more info on termites help and Facts About Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Termites and Termite Control - How To Stop Problem Jobs From Becoming Nightmares

2007-09-17T01:30:00.001-07:00

Termites have a very useful role within our environment, but when they invade and attack your home, they can become a hated enemy, a source of heartache and anxiety. Every problem has a solution, and there is no need for any job turning into a nightmare. There are however, certain practices in the pest control industry that should be adopted for all inspections and treatments, and some "dodgy" operators that should be avoided like the plague!

In Australia, one house in three at some stage will become affected by termites, which is more prevalent than damage caused by fire, storm and flood combined. This article will examine how to prevent termite attack, methods of inspection, protection, control and treatment.

Termite Control Control of pest termites involves identifying the species, locating the nest and choosing the best eradication methods. A combination of doing regular, competent building inspections in termite-prone areas, using naturally resistant or treated timbers in buildings, and installing chemical and physical soil barriers around buildings is necessary to prevent further problems.

Houses nearby may often have termite nests nearby in trees, stumps and underground but these may not contain pest species. When they do, it should be the main focus of the termite control technician to locate and treat these areas before any protection is implemented. Too often the technician will "advise" the worried homeowner that termites may be "anywhere within 100 metres" of the property and its impossible to pinpoint exactly where they may be coming from.

In my opinion, if you don't even try to find out the origin of the problem, your chances of gaining control of the problem dramatically drop. Even if the house is surrounded by dense bushland, I think it is definitely worth the time and expense of test drilling and treating ALL trees and stumps surrounding the property within a 50-100 metre radius, because that is where most infestations originate. If it means drilling 40-60 trees or investigating all surrounding homes, isn't that a lot better than ignoring a possible source of infestation?

Most pest control companies will not go to this extra effort, and will try to convince the client that their baiting technique or soil barrier system is designed to protect your home in all circumstances. DON'T BELIEVE THEM! Better investigations and inspections lead to better termite protection and treatments. Its only common sense to take all effort to find out the origin of the attack.

Termite Inspection of Pest Species Termite identification in Sydney Australia is highly specialized and pest controllers need to thoroughly inspect all areas of the property before any protection or treatment is begun. This may be conducted with the following equipment:

Flashlight with bright light This is essential and krypton bulbs give the best light for torches generally available today. LED torches, headlamps and flashlights are the next generation inspection tools and should be used when they come onto the market.

A termite sounding donger A fiberglass rod with a small plastic ball at the end. It is designed to run along skirting boards, higher placed timbers and other exposed timbers. When it runs across termite infested timber the tone changes, indicating hollowed out timber.

A Moisture Meter It is designed to pick up high moisture content in walls and timbers. Termites bring up moisture from the soil and into the walls and timbers.

A Termatrac microwave tracking device Termatrac is a breakthrough development in the building inspection detection of termites, invented and developed in Australia using technology similar to radar, Termatrac is the exciting answer to detecting termites through timber, plaster board, brick or masonry with no interference to the building material or termite activity. With no drilling, tapping or prodding, Termatrac is the answer to termite detection without termite defection! With Termatrac, the pest professional enjoys the advantage of accurate detection and customer peace of mind.

Box cutter & Tape If termite infested timber is located, we may cut it with a "Stanley" knife and expose the interior of timber, identifying the species of termites then seal it back up with tape so as not to disturb the termites.

Listening Device This listens to termite sounds in the internal of the walls. However, if you tap the wall with your hand and put your ear up to the wall you can hear the soldier termites communicate by tapping their mandibles onto the timbers.

Home Inspection A home inspection for termites is known in Sydney Australia as a building inspection and includes a pest report and a building report. It involves a thorough visual inspection of the sub floor, roof void interior, exterior, and other areas of the property. An average house takes anywhere from one to two hours to complete. Cost varies from $160-$360 depending on the size of the house and access. This is including G.S.T. Tax

The report consists of multiple pages setting out the areas of concern and what to do to rectify problems. Digital photos are available upon request. Please remember a termite inspection report is designed to detect termites at an early stage as to reduce the amount of damage to your house. It does not stop termites. It is strongly recommended a termite inspection report is carried out at least once every twelve months and every three to six months for high risk areas.

Note: There is no household insurance that covers you for termite damage.

Termite Report Essentially a termite building inspection report is designed to: 1. Detect old damage and active termites. 2. Gives you the element of risk of infestation. 3. Gives you tips on reducing the chances of termite infestation. 4. Gives us enough information to accurately quote you on a termite treatment and to use the most appropriate method. 5. Identifies species of termites and (most importantly) 6. Educates you about termites.

Economically Important Pest Termites Out of the 258 described termite species in Australia, only a few timber-damaging species are of concern to us. The five families that include the most common pest species in Australia are:

1. Mastotermitidae (1 pest species - Giant Termite, Mastrotermes darwinensis) 2. Kalotermitidae (several pest species of 'dry-wood termites', including the introduced Cryptotermes brevis) 3. Termopsidae (1 pest species - Dampwood termite, Porotermes adamsoni) 4. Rhinotermitidae (7 pest species, including Coptotermes acinaciformes) 5. Termitidae (5 pest species, including Nasutitermes walkeri)

The Giant Termite (Mastotermes darwinensis) has the greatest potential for destruction. However, it is limited to the tropical areas of northern Australia. It attacks any wood in contact with the ground including shrubs and trees, as well as paper, leather, clothing and other materials. It is a large-bodied primitive species that usually forms small colonies and has no true worker caste.

West Indian Dry-wood Termite The introduced West Indian Dry-wood Termite (Cryptotermes brevis) is considered to be the world's worst termite pest as it can eat even very small timber objects with few external signs of damage, can quickly take over from native termite species, can survive in quite dry conditions, and is easily transported. If it is found, it should be reported to the relevant government authority. It has been found in Brisbane and Sydney, as well as other areas on several occasions.

Most Destructive Species However the most destructive species overall in Australia is Coptotermes acinaciformes. It is distributed throughout the continent and uses tree stumps, living trees, spaces under buildings and even walls as nesting sites. From the nest site, any wooden structure within a 100-metre radius can be attacked via underground tunnels. Although they usually need contact with soil, some nests of this termite species have even been found several floors up in city buildings or on ferries.

A common species that nests in Sydney's coastal bushland is Nasutitermes walkeri. It forms distinctive round ball-shaped nests that are especially abundant in the years following major bushfires (as it mainly nests in stressed trees). It can also damage fences, poles and wood on the ground, but it rarely attacks buildings. This species has the largest soldiers (up to 6 mm long) of the Nasutitermes genus, with the characteristic nasute head.

High Risk Suburbs Termite control in Sydney, Australia is particularly important in these high risk suburbs:

Castle Hill Winston Hills Dural Baulkham Hills Wahroonga Frenchs Forest Manly Epping Carlingford Leichhardt

We service all these areas as well as Australian capital cities Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Darwin.

Remember, if you follow all of the advice in this article, selecting a qualified Termite Expert who is aware of, and implements appropriate termite inspections, protection and treatments will help prevent a problem job from turning into a nightmare.

You can arrange for a comprehensive inspection by a qualified Termite Expert simply by emailing our office at info@termiteexperts.com.au or Phone: 1300 131 449 for more termite (white-ant) information, to book a termite inspection with one of our members, or to arrange a quote for treatment of termites.

** Webmasters - Please feel free to use this article for your own use - as long as you provide a link back to us at www.termiteexperts.com.au and do not change any information unless you advise us at bruce@searchengine-guy.com.au - this article is otherwise subject to normal copyright legislation.

Article written by Bruce Gow http://www.termiteexperts.com.au . Bruce holds Certificate 1V in Urban Pest Management and holds Termite Specialist Accreditation amongst many other pest control certifications. He owned and managed Best Pest Control (NSW) Pty Ltd http://www.bestpest.com.au , a successful termite and pest control firm for 24 years, and now acts as an internet consultant for the new owner.

Bruce also works as a search engine marketer and created http://www.searchengine-guy.com.au for Australian Search Engine Optimization.

Agreement Between You And Your Seller (Reproduction)

2007-09-17T01:29:00.005-07:00

Buying a home does not arise in a space; it involves only you and your seller. There are all types of people and services involved after the scenes to make it happen. Since some of these services involve both you and the seller, there would have to be agreement on which companies you would use for them. When you make your offer, you must request your favorites for these services. If you are new with these service providers, you could get suggestions from your agent.

Escrow and Settlement
For example, you are going to want an escrow or settlement company to act as an "independent third party" among you and the seller. Without having a third party involved, how do you know that when you split over the money, you are going to get the deed? This is the kind of service provided by escrow and settlement. They would hold your deposit and manage much of the action that goes on during the escrow period.

Since this third party is extremely important to both you and the seller and both of you would pay fees to this company, it is significant to agree on which service to use. Therefore, your choice must be part of the offer. Since you do not buy a home every other week or so, you are perhaps unfamiliar with companies that give this service. Your agent would create a recommendation. You have the power to accept this commendation and include it in your offer, or make your own option.

Bear in mind that the seller would also have a preference and this might be a point of negotiation in a counter-offer. It has become usual that one side would decide the escrow/settlement agent and one side chooses the title insurance company. Even so, all in real estate is negotiable.

Title Insurance Company
Title insurance is significant because, by providing you with an Owners Policy, they insure that you have plain title to the property. If there are some problems later, you could always go back to the title insurance company and have them clear it up. Since it is usual for the seller to pay for the owner’s policy, they have an interest in which company is used.

However, you are above to pay a fee to the title insurance company, too. This is for the Lender’s Policy. The lender’s policy insures your credit lender that there are no liens or judgments beside the property and that the mortgage would be in first position. In other words, you must sell the property or refinance it; their mortgage gets paid first, before any other claims against the property. The lender’s policy is less luxurious than the owner’s policy.

Termite and Pest Inspection
As part of your offer, you may need a termite and pest inspection. This company not only inspects for termite spoil and pest infestations, but also inspects for dehydrated rot and water damage, among other things. The company that performs the examination is significant to you as a buyer; because you want to be certain they do a good job. It is significant to the seller because it is customary that they pay for the examination and some kinds of repairs that may be required.

You should decide which company you desire to perform this inspection and make it a part of your offer. Otherwise the seller would choose. If you do not know which company to hire, your agent would make a recommendation.

Perfect Information and sound knowledge leads even a small group of real estate investors to reach record level revenue through internet. To know more on Real Estate Investing and Real Estate Investor Websites visit http://www.realestatewebprofits.com.To contact the author maximusmejo@gmail.com.

What You Need To Know About Subterranean Termites

2007-09-17T01:29:00.003-07:00

If you are a homeowner, it is very important that you protect your home from termites. These little insects can do thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home.

Early detection and extermination is the key to protecting your home from damage. But what does a termite look like and where are you most likely to find them? How do you get rid of them? This article will answer these questions about subterranean termites.

Subterranean termites are secretive creatures that like to live just beneath the surface of the soil and bury themselves in wood. They travel through mud tubes and are rarely exposed. There are a few indicators that your home may have termites.

If you see a swarm of winged insects around your home, especially after a rain, you should suspect termites. The swarm does not last long. Look around window sills, doors, heating vents and bathtubs for wings that have been left behind. This is a good indicator of termites.

Look around your basement or crawlspace for tubes about the diameter of a pencil that are made of mud or dirt. These tubes are the way the termites travel from the soil to the food source. These tubes can be against a structure or free standing. They disappear into the cracks of masonry, or around doors or window frames.

Since termites eat the wood from the inside out, damage is not noticeable upon first visual inspection. Tap the wood with a screwdriver or hammer. If it sounds hollow in places, break a piece of this wood off. Termites leave a honeycombed pattern that is sometimes packed with soil.

Sometimes you will come across live termites in the wood. They are about the size of a grain of rice and are light colored with a soft body. They will move away quickly when exposed to light.

Termites have colonies much like ants. The worker termites are the ones that you would see in the wood foraging for food. They are white and soft bodied. The soldiers are responsible for protecting the colony. They look much like the worker termite except they have an enlarged head that contains two large jaws to fight off predators.

Winged termites are responsible for reproducing and increasing the colony size. The king termite will assist the queen in initiating the colony and building it. The queen creates the colony by laying eggs and attending to it. She can live for ten years and produce hundreds of eggs each year. It is not uncommon for one colony of termites to have millions of members.

If you suspect that you have termites the best thing to do is to call a professional exterminator. Shop around, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Get the best quality for the best price. Your home is a long term investment. Don't take a chance on the do it yourself products on the market today. The faster you get rid of those subterranean termites, the less damage they can do.

By the way, you can find out more about Subterranean Termites as well as much more information on all types of termite issues at http://www.Termites.InfoFromA-z.com

Why So Many Reports?

2007-09-17T01:29:00.001-07:00

When you buy a home it seems like there are so many reports that need to be made. You are advised to get the home appraised, inspected, checked for termites, surveyed and so on. Why so many different reports?

Each report will tell you something different. Yes, sometimes they overlap each other, but they all offer something that another report won't cover.

Lenders make loans on the sales price or the appraised value -- whichever is less. The appraisal is an estimate of value by an independent third party. This reduces the lender's risk by assuring that the property is worth what you are paying for it. You, the buyer, can feel sure that you are getting a good deal.

The inspection is very important. It is not an appraisal. The appraisal helps confirm the home's value, the inspection looks at the home's condition. The professional inspector checks all of the systems of the house, from the structure to the electrical to the garbage disposal. Does the dishwasher work? How old is the roof and when will it need to be replaced? Is the electrical wiring up to code? The home inspection report will tell you what needs to be repaired, when and at what amount the repairs could cost.

The termite inspection is equally important as your home is probably built of wood. Most lenders will require a termite inspection, but not all will require a home inspection. You should insist on both inspections to protect your best interests. You don't want to buy a home just to find out in a month that termites have destroyed the structural safety and it will cost you $80,000 to repair the home. The termite and the home inspections would help protect you against this.

Buyers must know about a property's condition. You may think that you can tell a lot about a home by switching light switches and looking in the crawl space, but would you think to look in a basement furnace for rust as a sign of basement flooding? An inspector would.

The survey shows the boundaries of the property, where the improvements are located, the size of the property and other factors such as easements and encroachments.

This is also important. For example, if the current owners have somehow added a garage that barely straddles the lot line, a neighbor could demand its removal. IT may turn out that the property is much smaller than advertised, or that the fence belongs completely to the neighbors.

The survey shows any easements, or right of ways for others to use your property. For example, there is often a Public Utility Easement, or PUE, on a property. This gives that utility the right to enter your property and install, maintain or repair their system. The local electric company might have this right to maintain their poles and wires across your land.

So do you need all four checks? Yes. This is the best way to know exactly what you are getting. In real estate, surprises aren't a good thing. When all your bases are covered you can sleep at night.

California Home Seller Disclosure Duties

2007-09-17T01:28:00.003-07:00

Property Condition - Seller’s What to Expect During the Inspection Process The Transfer Disclosure Statement (T.D.S.) – Perhaps the most important paper you will complete when selling your home

Most sellers (other than institutional type) are required by law to disclose facts and defects, which materially affect the value or desirability of their home. The Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) helps the seller meet this requirement by providing a standardized format for most basic information. If the seller does not fully disclose, the buyer will be able to cancel the escrow, or worse find out after escrow closes - Full disclosure can reduce or eliminate the possibility of later legal action.

Often, as part of “day to day” living in a home, certain items do not function properly, are overlooked and we just accept them. Some common problems: Does your doorbell work? Is the clock on the oven operating properly? Do all windows and doors open properly? Is there safety glass in shower & sliding glass doors? Are you aware of asbestos or lead based paint? How is your water pressure? Are any of your sprinklers broken? If you have a water softener is it owned or rented? Information about an alarm system should also be noted on the T.D.S. Legally, you must also disclose any homeowner’s insurance claims made in the last five years. When in doubt, disclose.

Other than mandatory government retrofit (smoke detectors, water heater strapping, etc.), most sales in Los Angeles County are “as is”, subject to the buyer’s approval of their inspection. There is no perfect house; problems disclosed to a buyer when a buyer is still excited about buying the home are frequently easier for the buyer to accept. Some Realtors, have the buyer acknowledge receipt and approval of the transfer disclosure at the time of the initial offer. The Physical Inspection In addition to your written disclosures, the buyer is urged to contact a professional inspector for a more thorough evaluation of the home. The inspector performs a visual examination of the home and tests to see if all major systems in the home are operating satisfactorily. The inspection is typically scheduled within ten to fourteen days after you and the buyer have accepted the terms of the Real Estate Purchase Contract. A professional home inspection is an important line of defense for both the buyer and the seller of a home. It functions like a check-up from a doctor. If doctor suspects problems exist, he/she will send you to a specialist. A professional home inspector operates in much the same way. When a problem exists with certain areas of the home, the inspector may recommend further evaluation by specialists, such as fireplace, seismic, etc.

Based on the results of the buyer’s inspections and investigations, buyers have the contractual right to request, within the stipulated time frame, that you, as the seller, agree to correct certain deficiencies. As the seller, you may agree or refuse to repair these items. Depending on the severity of the defects, the buyer’s request is often successfully negotiated by the agents involved.

The Termite Inspection

The structural pest control (termite) inspection is conducted by a state licensed inspector. In addition to actual termite damage, the report will indicate any type of wood destroying organisms that may be present, including fungi (sometimes called "dry rot"), which generally results from excessive moisture.

Typically the seller pays for work that deals with current infestation (Section I). If desired, the buyer typically pays for work considered to be preventative (Section II). Customarily, section I termite clearance is provided by the seller prior to close of escrow and the property will be certified to be free of active infestation.

Phyllis Harb, a California native is a Realtor/Marketing Specialist at RE/Max Tri City in La Canada, California. RE/MAX Tri-City offers additional offices in La Crescenta, Glendale, Los Feliz and Pasadena. Harb has been assisting Los Angeles County home sellers and buyers since 1989 and additionally offers over 10 years experience in real estate lending. Harb has an award winning web site @ http://www.RealtorHarb.com & may also be contacted at 818 790-7325.

LOG HOMES vs. INSECTS: What to Look for

2007-09-17T01:28:00.001-07:00

One of the first questions people ask about log homes is How Much Termite Damage Do They Get? Well, rest assured: log homes are no more susceptible to termites than a traditional framed house. In some ways, it would be easier to spot possible infestation: in a stick-framed house, you could have an problem for years without even knowing it. The termites would be hidden behind your sheetrock, happily gnawing away at structural members, and would attack your walls from the inside-out. With a log, they would most likely start on the outside and work their way in, leaving an obvious trail of sawdust or mud foraging tubes.

Termites thrive in a damp environment; they dehydrate when exposed to the air for too long. If your logs are kept dry, they won't be a tempting target for wood-boring insects. On the other hand, if you have a spot where a gutter is leaking onto the logs, or your door frame leaks, watch out! That damp spot is the point of entry for insects and wood rot. Also, keep your air conditioner from dripping near the foundation; this is another potential trouble source.

In new construction, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of termite damage. First of all, make sure your contractor does not bury any wooden construction debris under the topsoil. This is very common on job sites, and the decomposing wood creates a great environment for new termite colonies. Secondly, make sure they install a termite shield below the sill plate; this is a bent piece of metal that creates a barrier between the foundation and the wooden sill. Many townships require this by code.

Before you apply the stain, it would be wise to spray the logs with a borate treatment; when added to water, this powdered insecticide is designed to soak into the logs and protect them against insects and wood rot. After the borate treatment has dried (and before the rain washes it off), apply your stain which is toxic and will also protect your logs from insects. To be extra sure, there are additives you can add to the stain that contain insecticides.

Carpenter bees do not like to chew through treated, painted, or stained wood and will probably find more tasty surfaces to attack. Keep an eye on your porches and fascia boards; after a few years, when the stain no longer looks fresh, the bees may revisit your house and start making those perfectly round 1/2" holes. Luckily, they are easy to treat and once you spray and plug those holes, that particular bee should be taken care of.

Caulking between the log courses is another good way to seal out the insects. I've actually watched a fly drag a tiny leaf into a small split in our log ends. You just don't know what critter wants to live in your logs. Also, do not stack firewood against your house. Chances are very good the cured wood already has insects in it, and you don't want to transfer them to your pristine logs.

The most important thing to do is make an occasional investigation of your corners, eaves, window frames, foundation. Many infestations are easily dealt with if caught early enough. Don't assume your house will take care of itself; you, the owner, will be the first line of defense.

Mercedes Hayes is a Hiawatha Log Home dealer and also a Realtor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She designed her own log home which was featured in the 2004 Floor Plan Guide of Log Home Living magazine. You can learn more about log homes by visiting http://www.JerseyLogHomes.com

Rising Damp - Moisture And Termites

2007-09-17T01:27:00.005-07:00

In my 16 years experience treating and repairing damage, I still wonder how much of it could have been be avoided. Much of it can with simple steps, as in regular inspection for rising damp/termites, and good sub-floor ventilation.

The moment you suspect any thing awry, action is required urgently by experts in this field. When house construction was carried out in the 1930's - 1970's, damp course membranes were mainly of slate, and flexibility was non-existent. Now we see rising damp and termite problems occurring frequently.

The current Australian standards allow for better construction methods, and so we are getting better control and warnings of these problems before they occur. It is a great advantage stopping or preventing damage before it gets out of hand.

Three Vital Steps You Can Do To Minimize Damage To Your Home
1. Have an expert come to inspect your wall moisture levels using a moisture meter. This will detect rising damp.
2. Get an inspection carried out for termites by a qualified home builder who is also a licenced timber pest inspector. An added advantage if they are members of the Master Builder's Association (M.B.A.) or Housing Industry Association (H.I.A.)
3. Once any problem has been identified, take action as soon as possible and arrange for protection. If poor ventilation is identified as been the problem, subfloor fans may need to be installed to allow for correct air flow. If its termites, a chemical barrier may be needed, or a baiting system may be recommended. Termite baits help identify activity of termites on your site, alongside of regular inspections. They do NOT attract termites, they intercept them BEFORE they get a chance to enter your home.

One client I recall had called me to check to see why all her clothes were covered in mold. Upon entering her house I noticed a musty smell. I advised that I cut a floor trap for inspection access to her subfloor. When I got under her house, I noticed 300ml of water! The substructure timbers had decayed extensively from excessive moisture. When I came out from under the house, she wondered why I was soaked in water. I replied, "I didn't know you had a in-ground pool!

It turned out my client had been living with mold for eight years and didn't think much of it. In conclusion, we organised a plumber improve drainage, our firm installed a ducted subfloor fan system with a rectified damp-course. About six months later we reinspected the subfloor and it was completely dry.

The skill of inspections and moisture meter readings is a science of interpretation, so experience by the contractor is in these fields are vital. Only choose a home builder and termite inspector who can show proof of their qualifications and experience.

Sydney Building Repairs supply the following services:
Termite Inspections
Subfloor Ventilation
Damp-Course Remedial Work
Waterproofing &.General Building Repairs

Article by Joe Alexander Ovidi, Member M.B.A., H.I.A.,

Buying A House - Checking Exterior Wood

2007-09-17T01:27:00.003-07:00

You need to be very careful before committing to the purchase of a house. If the house has wood and brick on the exterior, you need to consider the following issues.

Wood Issues

Wood is a beautiful material, particularly when it is used on the exterior of a home. Compared to stucco and other materials, it is a wonder wood isn’t used more often. The reason, of course, is wood simply doesn’t hold up as well as man made materials. If you are looking at a home with a heavy emphasis on exterior wood siding, trim and so on, here are some things to watch out for when evaluating the opportunity.

1. The first thing to realize is the appearance of wood has almost no relevance to the condition. A perfectly good looking piece of wood trim may be infested with termites or rotting and you will never know by just glancing at it. When inspecting wood exteriors, never trust your eyes.

2. One of the biggest issues with wood is degradation. When looking at particular areas, make absolutely sure you physically touch the wood. In fact, you are probably best off giving it a fairly good poke with a finger. In doing so, you should be looking for soft areas. Soft areas are indicative of rot in one form or another. Finding rot in one area should make you very concerned about finding rot throughout the structure. Put another way, you may want to start looking at other homes on your list.

3. Finding soft spots in wood can be troubling, but there is something worse. If you poke or squeeze a piece of wood and dust or bits fall off, run for the care. This type of degradation is often a sign of termite problems. Termite problems should be a huge red flag for any prospective home. If you buy the house, you are going to have to tent it to kill the bugs and pay to inspect and repair the damage done by the evil little bugs. In short, you are buying a minor, but expensive, nightmare.

Make no mistake, wood can be very attractive on the exterior of a home. Just make sure you don’t rely solely on a visual inspection of it when deciding on the merits of the house.

Raynor James is with the FSBO site - http://www.fsboamerica.org - FSBO homes for sale by owner. Visit our home buying page - http://www.fsboamerica.org/buyer.cfm - to view and buy homes, houses, condos, land and real estate.

Biology-Insects-Termites-Macrotermes bellicosus

2007-09-17T01:27:00.001-07:00

Termites are sometimes referred to as ‘white ants’, but they are not ants and are not related to them. They are most abundant in tropical and sub-tropical countries where, in some cases, their ‘nests give rise to large, prominent mounds. All termites form extensive colonies with one egg-laying queen and hundreds or thousands of workers. The workers are nymphs whose development to reproductive adults is suppressed. Most of them carry out duties in the nest, feeding the queen and the young, nest building and collecting food but some workers develop into ‘soldiers’ with large heads and long jaws. Their job is to defend the nest from intruders.

At certain times of the year, some of the workers complete their development and become winged adults, both male and female. These leave the nest in dense swarms and eventually land on the ground, shed their wings and mate. The female then lays eggs in the soil and so starts a new colony. Macrotermes bellicosus is an African termite which can build spectacular mounds. The workers build the mounds by combining sand and clay with their saliva. Just above ground there is a central ‘nest’ with a network of tunnels many of which connect with underground passages leading to a good source of food. In the nest, the queen does nothing but produce eggs. Her abdomen swells so much that she cannot move and the workers feed her and carry away the eggs as fast as she can lay them.

Termites feed exclusively on plant material, mainly the cellulose in woody tissues. Some termites can digest the cellulose, sometimes with the aid of a population of single-celled organisms in their gut, but Macrotermes brings the plant material back to the nest and chews it to a pulp. On beds of this chewed pulp and termite faeces, fungi grow. Macrotermes feeds on the fungi or on the wood pulp which has been partially digested by the fungus.

If termites burrow into wooden structures to obtain their cellulose, they cause damage.

D G Mackean is the author of GCSE Biology, IGCSE Biology, and many other Biology text books. He has a site of Biology Teaching Resources at http://www.biology-resources.com which includes a bank of experiments for teachers, sample PowerPoint presentations, and many biological drawings

Three Real Estate Investment Tools You Must Have

2007-09-17T01:26:00.001-07:00

There are three real estate investment tools that all investors must have and use. Each tool is common sense but unfortunately not used. Each tool can save you thousands of dollars or in investment terms make you thousands of dollars. One of these tools is free and the other two cost only around $400 dollars total. Get your tool belt out and make room.

Tool number one is get a home inspection. I don’t care if the home is brand new you need to get it inspected. The obvious reason is to protect yourself from major repairs and the repairs that no amount of money can fix, but there is a not so obvious reason. Getting a home inspection can help you get a much better price for the home. The home inspection is a great bargaining tool. Let’s say that after you get a home inspection the estimated repairs are $10,000 dollars. You can now go back to the seller and negotiate either the sales price or get the seller to fix the problems. The other reason is peace of mind. I don’t want to buy a home without knowing what is wrong with it. How can I make a good investment if there could be unknown cost? A serious investor knows the true cost of the investment before making he investment. Make sure you order a home inspection before you buy.

Tool number two is a termite inspection. I live in the south and termites are eventually going to invade a home. It doesn’t matter what type of treatment you get on a home you will eventually get termites. The big question is what is the extent of the damage. Most homes in my area have small amounts of damage around the garage and doorways. The main reason you need a termite inspection is to protect yourself from major damage. It is easy to see the termites from the outside of the home but near impossible to see the damage inside the home. Do yourself a favor and get a termite inspection.

Tool number three is a home appraisal. I know what your thinking, doesn’t the bank take care of this. Yes, but their ordering an appraisal to protect their interest not yours. You need to know the value of the home before you make an offer. To often people look around the neighborhood they are buying in and get a ballpark figure. This is not good enough. There are several free online real estate appraisal serrvices on the internet and you should take advantage of each. It only takes a few minutes to receive reliable appraisals from these sites. Once you know what the property is worth it makes negotiating much easier.

Make sure you use all three tools religiously. Each tool will make you money and make your investment dollars go a long way.

For a list of home value websites, try visiting http://www.propertyhomeappraisal.com, a popular website that offers home appraisal tips, advice and resources to include information on real estate appraisal services and the best online home value sources. Get exclusive real estate leads today!

Do You Have Termites? Are You Sure?

2007-09-17T01:25:00.001-07:00

Termites eat wood, and most houses are made at least partially from wood. This, of course, means that houses and termites shouldn't mix. Sure, try telling them that.

Each year, in the U.S. alone, hundreds of thousands of houses are treated for termite infestations. In thousands more, termites go undetected. Could you be at risk?

These insects thrive in warm areas, but they can survive in more temperate climates as well. This includes the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast parts of the country. In fact, the only state free of termites is Alaska. And don't think they're not problems in other countries. Termites are a concern in Europe and other parts of the world as well. They can wreck havoc under your house, such as in the foundation, or above ground too.

There are two categories of termites: subterranean termites and drywood termites. Subterranean termites live under ground while their drywood counterparts are perfectly happy living above ground. Because they often nest in wood (such as is found in the walls of your house) and don't need ground contact, they can be difficult to find and exterminate.

But that's enough of the insect lesson. Let's get to the important stuff:

How do you tell if you have termites?

Sometimes it's obvious if you have termites. However, it's not always apparent you have a problem until they've already done a lot of damage. But if you know what you're looking for, you can identify them early on. It's much better if you can catch infestations early and eliminate them before permanent damage is done to your house.

This can be easier said than done. If there aren't any gaping holes in your walls, how are you supposed to know? You'll want to check for the following signs:

--Are there wings scattered on the floor? This doesn't necessarily mean termites (flying ants can also leave wings), but it could. During reproductive swarms queens and their colonies fly out and mate before returning to their nests in the wood to lay their eggs. (I know... talk about yuck!)

--Are there any dark or blistered spots in your wood floors that can be scratched easily with a kitchen knife? This is generally a sign of subterranean termites.

--If you suspect underground termites, try knocking on those wood floors. If you hear an answering tapping, it is the sound of the termite soldiers banging their heads on the wood to alert others of potential danger.

--Are there any oval, six-sided pellets on the ground near kick out holes? These little pellets are termite excrement and are indicators of drywood termites cleaning out their tunnels.

Any of these signs can mean you have a termite problem. If you think it's even a remote possibility, call in a professional for an inspection. This definitely isn't the kind of thing where you want to wait until you know for sure. The longer termites are in your house, the more damage they will do. The sooner you get them taken care of, the less money you'll have to spend on this annoying problem in the long run.

Remember, termites can do significant structural damage to a house. Do yourself and your family a favor, and address this problem immediately.

For more information on termites, visit the author's site on natural pest control.

Termite Defense - What Can You Do To Eliminate Termites?

2007-09-17T01:24:00.005-07:00

Termites and the damage they leave behind are a major problem for many homeowners across the United States. And once these pests get their foot in the door so to speak, they are hard to get rid of. Here are some of your best options in trying to eliminate them.

The standard, proven way of eliminating subterranean termites is with what is called the barrier method. Basically, what this method involves is to simply poison the ground around the home where the termites can get in. As they attempt to get in your home they are killed off.

The thing you need to keep in mind with using this method is that you must treat the ground around the entire home. Spot treating will not work as the termites will simply go around it. Termite treatments generally last upwards of 5-7 years.

Who Do You Want To Call?

Protecting your home from subterranean termites is something that will need to be done by a professional who has the tools and chemicals that are necessary. This is not something a homeowner should attempt on their own.

So, this leaves you with a choice between a company like Terminix or Orkin, and a local pest control company. This is where you are going to want to do a little homework. Let me explain why.

Orkin and Terminix are large companies that are all across the U.S. and they do good work. Their prices are also more expensive on average than your local pest control company. But, these companies do a good job of guaranteeing their work.

What To Look For

Where this becomes an issue is if something goes wrong. Pest control has not always been an upstanding industry. People and companies go like the wind. You may get a great deal, but you may never have it backed up if there are future problems. I'm not saying this is true with all pest control companies, but it is something for you to consider.

With that said, you should always be able to get a 1 year warranty that protects you against termite reinfestation.

Some companies will also have an additional maintenance contract you can sign up for. Now, I'm not a big advocate of service contracts because most of the time they are just scams, but this is one area where you may want to seriously consider getting it if it is available.

Eliminating subterranean termites is not difficult with the right company doing the work. By thoroughly checking things out you can be assured of a termite free home for years to come.

By the way, you can find out more about Termite Defense as well as much more information on all types of termite issues at http://www.Termites.InfoFromA-z.com

Find Out The Early Signs Of Termites

2007-09-17T01:24:00.003-07:00

Although nobody wants to have termites, the fact is, we are all at risk for termites. Termites do not discriminate they can invade any home. Some may refer to an invasion of termites as a nuisance, but they are more than that, they can destroy your home if you do no the early signs of termites. Termites play an important part in the ecosystem, but in our homes, they are considered destructive.

Unfortunately, homeowners normally do not know they have termites until after a great deal of damage occurs. Having some knowledge about the early signs of termites helps to protect your home and catch this problem before it escalates. Termites will do more damage to a wood structure in a small amount of time; therefore, knowing some things to watch for helps you stop this infestation before a serious problem occurs.

Because not all termite infestations are visible, detecting the annoying wood eaters may require a little time and a careful eye. They live and feed in your walls, under your floors and other areas of your home, even your furniture depending on what type of termites you may have. Checking for mud holes and feces piles helps in determining if you have termites.

Detecting early signs of termites requires checking the areas where termites would feed. Checking outside in the garden would show signs in dead leaves, tree stumps and the soil for mud holes. Check, for entranceway into your walls by way of the siding, may sure you have know cracks or spaces for termites to enter.

Check windowsills, basement walls, moldings and doorframes for any sign of feeding activity. These outside areas are crucial and require proper inspection. If you notice any early signs of termites, contact a professional exterminator or do it yourself if you have the proper equipment. The main goal is early detection for prevent serious problems of termites.

By doing monthly checks of your home, you can prevent termite infestations that will cost you more money, not only for the exterminating process, but you may have to replace areas of your home that have received severe damage and become structurally unstable. Knowing the early signs of termite’s helps homeowners detect, protect and prevent total devastation that this pest can cause if allowed to feed on your home or building. Always remember to check your outside wood furniture and the wood decking as well as the hot tub surrounding.

You can also find more information at Ground Termites and Termites And Ants. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Learn Everything About What Termites Eat

2007-09-17T01:24:00.001-07:00

Nobody wants to have termites because they are destructive and will eat away at your wood structure costing you thousands of dollars in repairs. Termites live right in the house with you and you never know it, unless you inspect your home.

Now what do termites eat is another story. They eat wood, everyone knows this, but did you know they will eat paper, cloth, carpet and of course your furniture. The more you know about what do termites eat, you can further protect yourself and your home. Moisture attracts termites because they need this after a few hours of feeding on wood. This accounts for the underground colonies that form around the outside of your home. This underground living also protects them from you and other predators. They need to be cool during hot weather and the basement just seems to attract termites more than the other areas of your home.

Now, when you ask the question, what do termites eat, you may want to rethink the only answer, which is normally wood. The cellulose in the wood is what attracts the termites and this substance is also found in carpet, paper, cloth and other items in your home. Not even your floors and windowsills are safe from the termites.

What do termites eat goes along with knowing how they digest their feed. They have microorganisms that work to turn the wood cellulose into nutrition. The preferences of the termite is wood, but beware, they will feed anywhere. They like decayed or rotting wood, but they do not discriminate, they will take fresh wood as well. New houses as well as older houses are subject to termite infestations.

Think about how you eat and then what do termites eat, they are just doing as we do, except we do not destroy homes to feed. Because they are needed for our ecosystem, we will never entirely get rid of the termites. The termite eats until no more food is available and then moves on to the next feeding grounds. If you are unlucky enough to live with termites until this happens, your home will be in desperate need of reconstruction.

When reading about what do termites eat, you may want to think about all the places in your home that has wood, these are the places you will find termites if you have an infestation. Knowing what termites eat and how they eat is important for everyone to know. When you learn more about termites, you can become more aware of their devastation and destruction to many home and building owners.

You can also find more info on Signs Of Termites and Termite Photos. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

What Home Inspections Can Do For You

2007-09-17T01:23:00.005-07:00

Home inspections can give buyers a better understanding of the condition of the property they plan to buy. In this article I will discuss four types of home inspections and what they cover.

During a standard home inspection a licensed inspector should examine the exterior of the house for damage and rot, the roof for leaks or holes, overall structure of the house, the garage, the attic, the basement for possible water damage, the crawl space under the house (if the house is built under a crawl space), the foundation of the house for cracks and other damage, plumbing, electrical work, heating and air conditioning, the fireplace.

Some home inspectors also look to see if the landscaping beds around the house divert water away from the home, to see if the driveway has cracks that need to be sealed, to check the overall condition of windows, to check if smoke alarms work, and even to see if the dryer vent needs to be cleaned.

Another type of home inspection is a termite inspection. These inspections are especially important in warmer areas like Charleston, SC, where it does not get cold enough in the winter to kill termites. Termite inspectors look for insects (like termites) and other organisms (like fungus) that can destroy wood. These inspections also inform the buyer about what aspects of the home are conducive to these organisms.

For an asbestos inspection, a sample is sent off for lab analysis to determine if asbestos is present. If asbestos is detected, the buyer should hire a professional to remove the contaminated fibers.

Radon inspections detect and measure the levels of a potentially dangerous gas called radon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 20,000 people die every year from lung cancer that is caused by radon gas. If a radon inspection shows levels of radon that are unsafe according to the EPA, then you can hire a professional to fix the problem.

Although there many different kinds of home inspections, these four are some of the most commonly used. The termite inspection is the only inspection that is usually required by the mortgage company before closing on your new home. However, the standard home inspection is highly recommended.

Lee Keadle is a full-time real estate agent in Charleston, SC. He works with a team of three agents to give buyers and sellers the best services possible. You can search for homes and vacant land on our website at http://www.SearchForCharlestonRealEstate.com

Direct Mail Lead Generation Sales Letters Work Best When You Refund Your Fee

2007-09-17T01:23:00.003-07:00

In the termite capital of the US, Tampa, Florida, lives a man by the name of Chet Rowland who generates direct mail sales leads by promoting his poor service.

In his direct mail lead generation package he includes a copy of a letter he received from a disgruntled customer. The customer explains that Chet's Termite and Pest Control failed to eradicate the customer's termites, and that she had to request the company to come out and re-fumigate her home.

But what makes this customer letter different from most complaint letters is that this customer is writing to say she asked for her money back and got it. She thanks Chet for honouring what he calls his "exclusive, iron-clad, no wiggle room, simple, straightforward guarantee."

To show potential customers that he keeps his word and honors his guarantees, Chet includes with this customer letter a photocopy of the refund check he gave to the unhappy customer. It's for the full amount of $1,136.

The disgruntled customer goes on to say in her letter that she was thrilled that she didn't have to threaten or argue to get Chet to uphold his money back guarantee, and that she is going to tell her friends and others about how fair, honest and pleasant Chet's Termite and Pest Control is to do business with.

Chet says offering super strong guarantees gives him a competitive edge over other pest control companies. Competitors, he says, don't have the guts to back what they sell with a money back guarantee. Plus, he only has to honor his guarantee a few times a year when he refunds his fee to a few customers that he can't satisfy.

But the cost of refunding his fee in full a few times a year is worth the expense because of the extra selling power he gains by promoting his strong guarantee to potential customers. He says he even gets selling power by showing off the refund checks. You can do the same and generate similar results. Guaranteed.

If you'd like to read more about Chet's approach, read No B.S. Direct Marketing by Dan Kennedy, chapter 15. Good book, terrible title.

About the author
Alan Sharpe is a direct mail copywriter who helps business owners and marketing managers generate leads, close sales and retain customers using direct mail and email marketing. Learn more about his creative direct mail writing services and sign up for free weekly tips like this at www.sharpecopy.com.

Termite Bait System - Not For My House

2007-09-17T01:23:00.001-07:00

Termites are not lured to the termite baits, one must wait until they encounter them by "chance" during their random foraging activities. Systems like this are very expensive to install and they require maintenance every single month in order to stand a chance at being effective. Until such time as the termites "take the bait" they can continue to damage the home. Sometimes termites will continue to damage the home even after they "take the bait".

On think is for sure, termite companies make more money installing baiting systems, the bait stations are cheap, they can be installed by unskilled help and best of all the company charges you more money for something that costs them less and the company gets paid over and over again because of the required ongoing maintenance required.

Many questions about baits are still without answers. One thing we do know is that the products will not perform by simply hammering a few baits into the ground and walking away. Success requires thoughtful installation and diligent monitoring by an experienced service technician, backed by a responsible pest control firm.

Application of sub surface pesticides usually achieves faster control, it is also frequently more effective and more economical. Many times baits are in place for years while the termites keep munching away on the wood structure of your home.

Visit http://home-inspector.NewJerseyHomeInspection.com for a list of home inspectors in New Jersey.

This article may be freely reproduced if it is not altered and the above two lines are reproduced with active hot links.

Learn About The Termites' Eating Habits

2007-09-17T01:22:00.005-07:00

Termites have a healthy appetite as they devour up to fifteen pounds of wood in a month, for ground termites and thirteen ounces a day for Formosan termites. Wood is the preferred food for a termite, but they do eat plant debris as well. Some termites also eat grass and materials found in the ground. I have also read where termites have been found eating paper and cloth. Therefore, nothing is safe from termites. They eat paper and cloth because of the cellulose that is used to make the materials.

Wherever there is cellulose, you can find termites. Our environment thrives from termite infestations because they devour dead trees and branches and plant debris, which turns into humus. The areas around termite colonies and infestations old and new, is the best soil for new growth.

Termites' eating habits differ from ants and other insects. The worker termites set out to find the food and bring it back to the colony to feed the reproductive, soldiers so that the colony survives. Without the worker termites bring back food, the colony will die. The reproductive and soldiers will not search for food, but will die instead.

Learning about termites' eating habits also includes their need for water every few hours. This is why they return to the soil, they need water to continue feeding. Besides eating paper and cloth, some have found termites' eating habits to include carpeting, books and window trims.

Some of us take the termites' eating habits lightly, but you need to have concerns and protect your property from termites. Once they start the eating frenzy, you can be assured they will not stop until your home is in shambles. Early detection and some prevention can head off a serious termite infestation. These termites will consume your wood structure if left untouched.

Since termites’ eating habits flourish as they work their way through your home. If you suspect termites in your home, you need to inspect all areas of the home and then either call a professional pest control or take care of the problem yourself. Although most people call a professional, some do try this job themselves with good results. If you decide to do it yourself, you can read what you need to do and what you need for the job.

Now that you have some information on the termites’ eating habits, check your home and outside area to see if you might have termites in the area. If you do, contact a professional immediately. The sooner you do, the better your house will survive irreversible damage.

You can also find more info on Termite Photos and Signs Of Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Another Way On How To Kill Termites

2007-09-17T01:22:00.003-07:00

We look for inexpensive yet positive ways to kill termites. Because termites cost us billions of dollars, we need to learn the proper ways on how to kill termites before they cost your thousands of dollars and in some cases your entire home. People who have left their home to termites, most of the time unknowingly, the home has to be torn down or gutted and started over. If we take charge of the situation before it gets to far out of hand, we can somehow save our homes from the damage done by termites, which is worst then floods, fire and hurricanes or tornadoes.

Many ways exist on how to kill termites, but what is good for one homeowner, might not be the right way for you. Everybody has a different idea on the best and effective way to do the task. Although all methods have proven to be effective, your time and money needs to be considered. Termites have become resilient over the years and so you need to pay close attention to the proper ways on how to kill termites.

Baiting has been a popular way for homeowners to rid their homes of termites . Many professionals use this method and swear by the results, although other methods are just as effective. Baits contain toxins that are alluring to the termite and they flock to the bait boxes to feed in turn they die. The bait is put in the path of the worker termite or near a colony in order to make it easy for the termite to find it quickly. As the workers die off the queen and other reproductive will die because of no food. As food supplies vanish so will the termite colony.

More often, people choose to hire a professional pest control company to handle the job of ridding their homes from termites. Some people, like me, get that creepy, crawly feeling when being around these insects. Although they do not like humans, they still give you a devastating affect just knowing they are in your home. If you have a professional company, then they deal with the chemicals and you just pay the bill.

If the pest control company uses the tent method or a stronger chemical, you may have to leave your home for many days to allow the chemicals to work and kill the termites. When we think about how to kill termites, we never consider that they can force us from our homes, but they do eventually if the infestation is severe enough. Now you can choose the best way for you on how to kill termites.

You can also find more info on Facts About Termites and Home Treatment Of Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Learn About Termites From All Over The World

2007-09-17T01:22:00.001-07:00

Two places you will not find termites are the South Pole and the Artic Circle. When we talk about termites from all over the world, we think about anywhere but here. Yes, we have termite problems everywhere and they cause more than two billion dollars a year in damage to homes and buildings. You may be the lucky one and never see a termite, but are you really? Some people have termites and they have no idea because termites hide and go undetected for years.

The chemical pesticides used to kill the termites are marketed everywhere in the world. Termites from all over the world calls for appropriate measures to ensure we kill them before they take everything from us. The reason the problem has escalated is people do not know anything about termite infestations and what to look for. If you have termites and they appear to be white ants, think again, they are indeed termites heading to the feeding ground, you wood.

If the public were to receive educational material about termites from all over the world, they might have a better understanding about the termites and how to protect their homes and buildings. Finding the termites early results in less damage to your wood structure. If you do experience termite activity, you need to take action as soon as possible to protect your home. Ask for help from a professional if you have questions and need answers about termites and the infestation.

Termites from all over the world flourish as wood supplies spring up everywhere. The only way to control the population of termites requires everyone to have the knowledge about their habits, detection methods and extermination procedures. If we all learn even a little about termites from all over the world, we might actually cut the population down to a manageable size. Although they reproduce quickly, termites need to leave our precious woods alone. This means we have to catch the problem early or use some preventive measures to ward off potential infestations.

In order to rid the environment of these annoying insects, we need to practice the proper search and detection methods around our homes and the outside area as well. The first thing we need to remember is termites need moisture, wood and somewhere to build the colony. If we take away these three enablers, we can practice good prevention methods. We do need termites in the wilderness as they contribute to the ecosystem by fertilizing our soils that promotes new growth. They feed on dead trees, plant and leaf debris and branches to promote the humus.

You can also find more info on Inspecting For Termites and Knowing If You Still Have Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

I Have Termites - Or Do I

2007-09-17T01:21:00.005-07:00

People wonder about termites, but never think it can happen to them. Termites do not discriminate, they will invite themselves into your home whether you invite them or not. You can prevent the unwanted guest with a little work and a keen eye to changes in your home that is caused by termites. Without termites, our ecosystem would suffer, unfortunately, we cannot count on them to just stay outside and feed on dead wood, branches, tree stumps and plant debris. They come inside for more.

Colonies are everywhere and unless you look carefully, you will never know if you have termites in your yard or home. The termite works together systematically to build colonies and reproduce as the workers build and feed the colony. The soldiers stand guard for the colony and the king and queen reproductive. Most termites thrive with humidity and this makes underground termites common in many areas with high humidity.

The nests or mounds are built to maintain a certain temperature to survive and the mounts and underground colonies are built with environmental controls and airflow. Termites do not like light; therefore, they go undetected by homeowners. If you spot termite activity in your home, it is probably due to accident more than knowledge. Most of us do not know what we are looking for with termites, and some of us do not even check our homes.

Healthy trees and plant have their own defense against termites, and if scientists would ever find a way to protect our wood structures with the same defenses, we may some day start to win the fight against termites. One thing out on the market is Blockaid, which causes termites to starve rather then feed on our wood structures. This toxic material when put on wood will repel termites because they cannot eat after ingesting this toxin.

If you think you have termites in your home or outside your home, you need to take the necessary steps to rid your property of these destructive insects before they do more damage that can become irreversible. They work quickly and early detection can stop their wrath on your home. Check monthly and look for signs of termite activity. The basement, attic and walls along with the outside ground soil and the foundation needs to be checked to prevent termite infestations from ruining your home and costing you money to repair their destruction.

You can also find more info on American Termites and Arizonia Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Your Survival Guide To Detecting Termites

2007-09-17T01:21:00.003-07:00

Inside the wood or underground, termites hide as they eat away at your home or building. Detecting termites is a painstaking adventure in some cases, as you know they are there, but have problems finding the major infestation. Learn the basic detecting methods used to find termites in your home.

Know The Nature Of Termites

If you have the basic information about the nature of termites, you can this information to search and detect termites in your home. Termites generally leave traces behind, such as feces piles, which when followed should lead to the nest.

Detecting Termites In Their Favorite Places

Cellulose is the main source of food for termite, which is found in wood. Anywhere you have wood in house can become infested with termites. When checking the home, look everywhere there is wood to and do not forget the attic, which has plenty of wood.

Because some species of termites live underground, you may check the landscaping and other areas where termites may nest underground. They need good ventilation and soil provides this need. Check your trees as well, as termites may find these a good source of food as well.

Signs You May Have Termite Infestation

Mud tubes running on the walls, floors and other areas are good sign you have a termite infestation. Termites travel from food sources to their nests by way of these mud tubes. Another way for them to travel is in hollow wood, you will also find evidence of dried mud because they have left the area and moved to the next food source in your home. If you ever see the swarmers in the area, chances are good you have termites nearby.

Surviving Termite Infestations

Detecting termites and treating infestations are very different events. Once you find an infestation, stop and think about the next step. Do not disturb the termites and use the proper steps to rid your home of the problem. Performing the wrong steps can cause further problems or even harm you.

Keep a list of the areas that have infestation, this is the first step to pest control. Call in an exterminator to help with the infestation. If you have documentation as to where the infestations are located, you can save the exterminator time and your money. Always keep a list of any new areas that may become infested as you work your way through killing off the termites.

You can also find more information at Types Of Termites and American Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Eating You Out of House and Home

2007-09-17T01:21:00.001-07:00

What shows up uninvited and eats you out of house and home?

It's not your relatives; it's termites. These tiny insects can slip through the smallest cracks in your house and start eating all the wood in your home, until they turn your beloved refuge into a pile of sawdust. Capable of causing more damage than most natural disasters, these bugs are designed to eat-and eat-and eat. They eat twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Termites are actually beneficial in their native habitat, which is the forest. Fallen logs and dead brush are chewed up by these insects, who serve to keep the forest clean. Think of them as tiny little foresters, clearing the forest floor for new growth and getting rid of dried, dead underbrush that could pose a fire hazard.

Unfortunately, they can't tell the difference between that pine log lying by itself in the woods and, say, your nice hardwood deck. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk.

First, make sure that no wooden part of your house touches the earth. Optimally there should be a solid concrete foundation that holds your home above the ground. Also try to avoid moisture on the property; damp areas are a breeding ground for termites and other insects. Creating a barrier between your home and the termites, either with textured sands or nontoxic (to humans) chemicals, is another option.

Finally, if you have concerns that you might have a termite infestation, contact a professional termite exterminator and have him do a thorough inspection. He'll be able to decide if you have a problem, and if so, what you can do about it.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics. She expresses her opinions periodically on her blog, http://beyondagendas.blogspot.com She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

Buying a Home? A House Inspection Is a Necessity

2007-09-17T01:20:00.003-07:00

Are you thinking about buying a new home? If so, hiring a skilled home inspector to examine the structure before buying is an absolute necessity.

If you're applying for a home loan, chances are a home inspection is required by your lender. But even if you're going to pay cash for your home and have no contractual requirement to inspect, not ordering an inspection could be a huge mistake.

A qualified inspector will check the foundation of the home, its roof, bearing walls, cellar (for unwanted water among other things), the existence of a septic system, and a myriad of other details. You also need to inspect for toxic substances on the property (you may be liable for its cleanup if you discover it after you purchase the property), and on a possible termite infestation. The latter is very important; a seemingly solid house can be weakened structurally, sometimes beyond repair, if a termite problem is not caught and resolved early.

Conventional practice is to make a specific offer on a home via a Purchase and Sales Agreement or other standardized legal form before ordering the inspection. If you are opting to have the property inspected, make sure you make a notation on the P & S agreement that your purchase of the home is "subject to inspection." That way, if the inspection turns up a major problem with the property, you have the option of backing out of the agreement or insisting that the current owner fix the problem at his expense.

An added advantage is that, if a problem pops up after you buy the property that your inspector missed, you may have recourse against the inspector. If you don't hire an inspector, you may have no recourse at all.

Your inspector is your first line of defense when you're buying a new home; be sure to take advantage of his expertise and protect yourself against owning a piece of property you may regret buying.

I Think It Is Necessary To Hire An Exterminator To Prevent Termites

2007-09-17T01:20:00.001-07:00

I believe that professional exterminators handle the termite problem better than any individual can because they are trained and equip with everything needed for the job. It takes time to rid your home of termites and a company that offers a warranty will serve a better purpose than one that does not.

When we think about the question at hand, is it necessary to hire an exterminator to prevent termites? It depends on how you feel about dealing with chemicals and if you feel confident about doing the job. If you have the right information on how to prevent termites or to get rid of them, and you know you can do it, you may want to try your hand at protecting your home or buildings yourself.

It may cost you less to the job yourself, but unless you follow directions of how to do it, you may fail. Even after you perform the task, you have to keep checking to make sure you succeeded in killing the termites. Many people think, I did it and now I am done, no your not, you need constant inspections.

When we think about whether or not it is necessary to hire an exterminator to prevent termites, we need to also know how bad the problem has become. Sometimes the termite infestation is so bad that a professional is needed. Fighting the war against termites is tedious and sometime a pest control company does it better. They can determine the type, how bad it is, where the infestation is and check the soil for termites outside, since some people have a hard time determining between ants and termites.

With most cases of termite infestations, it is necessary to hire an exterminator to prevent termites and to get rid of termites. When dealing with chemicals, you need the proper equipment and the right chemicals to kill you type of termite infestation. Besides this point, some termite colonies have become resilient against extermination.

With all the knowledge, skill and abilities the exterminator has for the job, you may just save money by using their service rather than your service. If you need to learn the habits of the termite, read article that inform you on this subject. If you want to do the preventive procedure, you read "Tell Me How To Kill Termites" or "Learn How To Get Rid Of Termites". These articles give you some great ideas and steps to take to prevent and rid your home of termites. The exterminator cost some money, but doing it yourself may be more affordable.

After reading, the articles and you are still asking yourself if it is necessary to hire an exterminator to prevent termites, and then by all means, do that to help yourself. Although the steps appear easy, some people are uncomfortable dealing with hazardous chemicals, as they should be. Professionals do the job fast and complete to rid your home of termites and do the outside work, which might be difficult for some homeowners to accomplish.

You can also find more info on Drywood Termites and Flying Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Find The Answer To- How Can You Tell If There Are Termites In A Wall

2007-09-17T01:19:00.003-07:00

Do you have termites in your wall? Well if you do, you need to know how to find them. Although termites are an important part of nature, they are not welcome by homeowners you try to protect their homes from these horrible and devastating insects. Yes, termites work with nature to fertilized the soil and rid the world of decaying trees and rotting plant life, they are also healthy eaters of our homes. Termites do help with the wildlife, but this fact does not console the homeowner who has termite infestations.

If you find the termites too late, the nightmare one goes through to replace and fix wood that has been compromised is devastating to homeowners. Without your knowledge, termites can live in your walls for years, eating away at your wood studs and beams and even your attic trusses.

Living in a house without the knowledge you have termites may be the end of road, since insurance does not cover termite infestations. These annoying insects can rob you blind as you sleep, watch television and clean. If the termite is in your wall, you will never see them or will you? There are some signs to look for to determine if you have termite infestations.

How can you tell if there are termites in a wall? Here are some signs to look for when determining if you have termites in your walls.

• Sandy holes, if you tap around the walls, you may see some dusty material coming from the wall. In addition, you hear the hollow sound.

• Moist areas on the wall, usually means termites are feeding inside the wall.

• If you see weakening in the walls or structural damage to the wall, you probably have termites.

With these three things to look for, you could now answer the question of how can you tell if you have termites in a wall? Without further looking, you may want to next check the basement and the attic as well as the outside soil around your home. A sure sign of termites outside are mud holes especially around trees, decks and the foundation of the house.

If you find termites outside your home, you need to determine quickly if you have them inside already and if not, a preventive measure is required to prevent them from seeking out the cellulose from the wood in your home. A professional pest control will come in and give you estimates for the outside and inside of your home. This is cheaper than replacing the damaged wood in your home due to the termite infestation.

You can also find more information at Inspecting For Termites and Knowing If You Still Have Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Facts About Dampwood Termites

2007-09-17T01:19:00.001-07:00

Termites that feed on wood are part of a group with three different types of termite species. The dampwood termites feed on damp wood, rotting wood or timber and any other wood that has moisture. Protecting yourself and your home or building requires a few simple steps, on of which is clearing your property of any wood with moisture, which will attract the dampwood termites.

The Pacific Coast area sees more dampwood termites then anywhere else. The states affected by this group of termites are Washington, California, Nevada, Oregon and Montana. Some less destructive dampwood termites also live in Florida and the southwestern part of the country.

Characteristics Of A Dampwood Termite

This group of termites has soldiers to protect the colony, workers to find food sources and the reproducers, a king and queen. The life stages of a termite are an egg, nymph and then the adult. The life cycle doe not include the pupal stage.

You notice more of a distinguishing difference between termite species with the adults rather than the younger termites. Dampwood termites are generally much larger than the other termites by about a half of an inch. With brownish-reddish heads with big mandibles, the worker dampwood termites are smaller than the soldiers are while the reproducers are an inch in length and they have wings.

Feeding Of The Dampwood Termites

These termites need no shelter as they travel from food source to the next. During the early infestation of the termite, you may not notice much activity, but as soon as the nest is set, they go to work and feed on the wood and moisture. These little pests hide while feeding on the wood in order to remain undetected.

Dampwood termites normally eat the wood from the inside out as they tunnel their way through the wood. These tunnel areas are smooth as if sandpaper was used to sand the surface.

Can You Avoid Dampwood Termites

If you no you have wood that contains a high moisture content you need to keep a watch on your wood areas to prevent heavy infestations of termites. If you have faucets that leak or any other areas of damp wood in the area, this will attract the dampwood termites. Clear up any areas that attract the termites to your area and then keep a close eye on you basement and other areas that may have wood with high moisture levels.

You can also find more information at Types Of Termites and American Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Have You Seen Super Termites

2007-09-17T01:18:00.003-07:00

Studies are underway by entomologists on the different types of termites and their impact on society. Predicting a way to and doing trials will hopefully come to a conclusion about which is the better way to do away with termite infestations in homes. Because termites destroy so many homes and then move to the next, we need to find ways to preserve our homes, but also nature, since termites are vital to the ecosystem.

The Super termite as it has been nicknamed is the Formosan termite that is in dubious to the United States and Hawaii. The reason for the name super termites comes from their ability to devour a building in a very short time period. They have devoured up to thirteen ounces of wood daily beating the subterranean termite who consumes fifteen pounds a month. The reproductive adds to the population of the super termites by laying as many as thirteen hundred eggs a day.

Ruthless and undetected, these super termites will literally eat you out of house and home in a matter of year in some cases. The speed at which they consume wood is just amazing for such a small insect. The Formosan termite has less traveling distance to their nest as they build them in the walls of the building they are feeding on. They can build in walls as high as three hundred feet off the ground.

Imagine that you feel your home is airtight and no insect can enter. If you see an ant, you can assure yourself you are not safe from the super termites as well. Nothing is unattainable when you are dealing with termites. They smell and sense the cellulose from the wood and will find a way in to feed.

Super termites along with all species of termites live and breathe in your home and go undetected for years, if you have know idea what to look for. Because of their ability to feed undetected for years, the damage results in the thousands of dollars to fix their handy work. We all fall prey to this devastating insect and they in turn are smarter than we are as humans.

If you do monthly checks of your home and property for super termites, you may get away with a simple and easy pesticide control. If the infestation is extreme, you may want to call a professional pest control company.

You can also find more info on Home Treatment Of Termites and Boric Acid For Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Prevent Termites With Termite Pest Control

2007-09-17T01:18:00.001-07:00

Termite pest control needs to be “nipped in the bud” before the damage starts. Avoid moisture accumulation near the foundation, which provides water needed for termite survival. Divert water away from the foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks. Soil needs to be graded or sloped away from the foundation in order for surface water to drain away from the building.

Cellulose (wood, mulch, paper, etc.) that is in contact with soil provides termites with ready and unobservable access to food. It is very important to eliminate any contact between the wooden parts of the house foundation and the soil. Maintain at least 6 inches between the soil and porch steps, latticework, door or window frames, etc. Never stack or store firewood, lumber, newspapers, or other wood products against the foundation or within the crawl space. Prevent trellises, vines, etc. from touching the house. Before and during construction, never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the backfill, especially near the building. Be sure to remove wooden or cellotex form boards, grade stakes, etc. used during construction. Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building. Avoid or minimize use of wood mulch next to the foundation.

Soil Barrier Termiticides
Conventional soil treatments rely on creating a chemical barrier in the soil that is toxic to termites contacting it. To achieve termite control for long periods, apply as a continuous barrier in the soil next to and under the foundation. Termiticides can be applied when the building or house is built to prevent infestations.

Getting Rid Of Termites
You can use all the tools for termite pest control and sometimes they just find a way in. Talk to a professional about steps you can take to avoid infestations. If you find out that you have termites, call a professional. Termites can penetrate some barriers and there are some newer treatments that have been found to be more effective. There are many different types of treatments and there are different types of termites. You will need to have an inspection done to identify the type of termite. You will then be advised as to what type of treatment would be best for your situation.

Never Just One Termite
Termites live in colonies that may contain hundreds of thousands of individuals. Some types must have moisture to survive. A termite colony has the workers, soldiers and the reproductives. Some of them will look a bit different so it is important to find out exactly what kind of infestation you are dealing with. A professional can do the assessment during inspection. Make sure the company you deal with is licensed and trained. You want a reputable company when dealing with chemicals and your home.

You can also find more info on Pest Control and Ant Pest Control. Homepestcontrolhelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Homepest Control.

The Scoop on Pest Control Companies and Outlandish Repair Estimates

2007-09-17T01:17:00.005-07:00

Termite Inspection and Clearance

Termite reports can be the source of the biggest disputes between buyers and sellers. They are the main reason for delays in closing and can cost a bundle. A buyer has the right to know the properties true condition. Termite reports have become all inclusive reports on the condition of the house. They now include prevention suggestions as well as pest damage. Sellers are required to disclose all inspection reports performed on their home and Failing to do so could result in a very costly lawsuit after the sale.

Why Termite Reports Cause Problems

Termite reports are not required by law, but the lender will insist that one be performed and that all the issues raised be corrected. They certainly don't want to lend on a property that is in bad shape. After all, they may own it someday. The problem begins here: buyers and sellers will enter into a contract to agree that one party will pay for repairs recommended in the termite report. I cant imagine a buyer that would not want all the work performed according to the report. This means that the seller may be forced to perform corrective work that may not be "required" under state law or under the purchase contract. Failing to do so could result in the loss of sale.

A seller may want to have more than one report since a lot of money is involved and a second opinion is reasonable approach to a very high set of corrective recommendations. To avoid the problem get a termite report before you put it up for sale. This way, you will know your maximum liability for structural damage, and you will have the option of having all the work performed before possibly scaring the buyer with the potential work required for clearance. The cost of a termite report is either the buyers or sellers determined through negotiation, unless you order one before you list.

Who Pays

The cost of the report is negotiable with tradition in your geographical area often setting a precedent or at least a guideline. In general, the seller agrees to pay for the repair work, or at least a portion of it, while the buyer pays for the termite report and any preventive work.

Abusive Pest Control Companies

Pest control companies which do termite inspections are licensed and regulated by a state structural pest control board, and all of their inspection reports must be filed with the board. The board makes available to the public copies of any report filed on a building during the preceding two years. Buyers: It can save you a lot of headache if you take the time to review the pest control reports for any property you are thinking of buying.

Termite reports cause numerous problems in escrow partly because the company which inspects a building also submits the estimate for doing the work. In other words, the termite company determines the extent of the damage, the work to be done and then bids the job. After the work is completed, the company also clears the report. If the inspector finds that some work needs to be done, he usually gets the job to do that work. If he doesn't find anything wrong with the structure, he doesn't get any work. Think self interest may play a part in some of the recommendations? After all, there is often more than one way to fix a problem and at least one most expensive way.

Protect Yourself From Outlandish Repair Estimates.

You can order more than one termite inspection report.
Ask a contractor or independent carpenter to bid on the work. Bids are free of cost.
Hire a Pest Control Company that will do the report but doesnt do corrective work.
Many independent pest control specialists will do the work provided by a termite report much cheaper than the Pest Control Company and guarantee that their work will stand up.
Do the easiest work yourself.

Howard Bell for yourpropertypath.com

www.yourpropertypath.com
We believe that knowledge should be free and freely shared.

How To Go About Treating Termites

2007-09-17T01:17:00.003-07:00

Termite infestations that go undetected will literally eat you out of house and home. They devour your wood structures and when they are done, they leave you in ruins and move on to the next home. The results of termite infestations are devastating to homeowners everywhere. The wood or the cellulose in the wood attracts termites from everywhere.

When treating termites, you can choose to do this yourself, or hire a professional. Learning about treating termites requires you to detect the termite early and then take the proper steps. You need to check areas you may not think about finding termites. Underground outside is where the termites live and you can inspect the ground for termite activity. Termites live in your walls, attic and basement and sometimes they cannot be seen. Check walls for sandy spots, moist areas and in the basement, feces piles.

Preventive measures such as fixing gutters and leaking faucets and any cracks or other damage to the outside of the house helps to keep the termites away. If you have woodpiles, keep them off the ground to protect your yard from termite activity.

Once you determine if you have termites, the next step is learning about treating termites. The one thing to ask yourself is do you need a professional to help rid your home and yard of termites? They have all the necessary gear and chemicals to do the job. If you choose to do it yourself, you will need the proper chemicals and gear.

You may try a commercial chemical found at a hardware store, but do not forget to read the directions and wear the proper protective clothing. This is only advisable if the infestation is mild. Heavy infestation requires professional pest control. In all cases of termite infestation, we need to remember one important thing, treating termites requires doing the entire home, as the termites will move to other areas if they are left untreated. This would just cause more unnecessary damage to your home.

Although there are professional pest control companies, people look for an inexpensive way, yet effective way to prevent or rid off termites in their home. Treating termites requires the knowledge of what a termite is and how they feed. Where they live and how to effectively terminate them before and during infestation is an important question you must answer.

A professional service does this and has more time and skill to find the exact areas where termites feed or live. If you are determined to take on the termites yourself, you need to cover all the bases before starting. You do not just treat one area, or the termites will move to the next area, causing more problems

Although termite extermination is not advised, some people do this job themselves and later find out the termites moved somewhere else, like the furniture. If you do not all the facts about termite infestations, you can do more harm with your home treatments of termites then good. Treating termites might end up causing harm to you or your home as well as the environment if you do not have the facts.

You can also find more info on Drywood Termites and Flying Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

What Is A Red Termite

2007-09-17T01:17:00.001-07:00

The term red termite comes from the alates who have wings and fly around during the springtime looking for new nesting grounds to mate and lay their eggs. People often confuse the red termite with the flying ants. Although termites live in colonies as do ants, which will be the only similarity. Ants are destructive, but termites are devastating. Some interesting things about the red termite, it is just another destructive and destroying regular old termite.

Termites are sometimes called white ants although they belong to a group that the cockroach belongs to and the ant belongs to the group with wasp and bees. There are three groups of termites with many different species in each group, but there are not a species called the red termite. The term comes from the biological cycle of the termites.

The red termite as people say, help with our ecosystem. They feed on dead wood, plant debris, tree stumps and other matter in the wilderness that needs recycling into humus. This helps to fertilize the ground soil. Everywhere a colony exists, the soil will be well fertilized. This accounts for why farmers will plant there crops close to underground colonies.

Termites attract to cellulose that we find in wood. This accounts for the many buildings infested with termites, which go undetected for years. Termites have the uncanny nature of hiding themselves and can go undetected for years destroying complete building s and homes. Whether you have a new building or an older building, termites do not discriminate. These devastating insects devour up to fifteen pounds of wood a week and if left undetected will destroy a building in no time.

Another interesting thing about the red termite is they will take plaster, plastic and paper to the nest for construction. They also feed on materials that contain cellulose, which is paper, carpets, cloths and other things that contain the cellulose. Because nothing you own is safe from the termites, this accounts for the billions of dollars spent yearly to replace termite damage.

On one acre of land, you can find up to fifteen colonies, which broken down comes to four or five colonies around your home alone. If you have some knowledge about red termites, you can try to protect your home by treating the inside and the outside of your home to prevent infestation. You need to create a barrier outside around the foundation of your home to block the termites from gaining access to your home. You can do this process if you use the right pesticides and follow the guidelines you can find on preventing termites.

You can also find more info on Signs Of Termites and Termite Photos. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Define The Life Cycle Of Termites For Me Please

2007-09-17T01:16:00.005-07:00

Most of us know what a termite is and what they can do to our homes, but did you know long a termite could live? Here is where you will find the life cycle of termites and characteristics.

A social insect much like the ant is highly organized, decentralized and very cooperative in their search for food and in building their colonies. Because of these characteristics, a termite colony might consist of millions of workers with soldiers and the reproductive.

The difference between ants and termites are very different after that. The Isoptera group is what the termites belong to and the ants belong to the bees and wasps group. Under the Isoptera group we also find cockroaches and mantids all grouped together. The breeding habits of termites are quite different from that of an ant. Therefore, a white ant as the termite was once called was a misconception.

If we understand the life cycle of termites, we can further understand how this insect became so devastating to our housing industry. One major characteristic of the termite is the ability to hide and be unseen. This is how they devour our homes while we sleep, eat and work. As we work, they are hard at work devouring our homes from the inside out.

The caste system of a termite is divided into three groups, the reproductive, soldiers and the workers. After reading about these three groups, you will understand the life cycle of termites more.

The reproductive do just as the name suggest, they breed and lay eggs. The reproductive termite has a darker color than the rest of the species and has two sets of wings; these are also known as alates and have a queen and a king. There are also the secondary reproductive that take over if the queen or king die. The reproductive is the only ones to fly. They will fly around light in the spring of the year, for this is mating time. Once they find a mate, they head to a nest to lay their eggs.

Worker termites build the nest and set out for food to bring back to the colony. They feed the queen and king and the soldiers while they watch over the newly lay eggs. The workers are white in color and sometimes have been confused with maggots.

Soldiers guard the nest and protect the king and queen along with the secondary reproductive. They stand guard while the workers come and go from the nest. These termites will attack with glue like sticky substance that paralyzes the enemy.

You can also find more info on Drywood Termites and Flying Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

The Destruction Done By The USA Termites

2007-09-17T01:16:00.003-07:00

The USA termites threaten our properties as they march in and start feeding on our wood structures. We cannot stop the growth of the termites since they have two common needs, on is to breed and the other is to feed. Like most insects, these are annoying, but more so than the ant. Ante will not steal our homes from us as the USA termites do, when you least expect it.

Various states have different types of USA termites. You may see the subterranean termite, the drywood termite and the dampwood termite. These termites are then grouped in two groups, the wood termites and the ground termites. The wood termites live in woods and the ground termites live underground.

The USA termites are destructive. The subterranean termites tunnel under the soil and build nests for the rest of the colony. The underground termites have larger colonies than the wood termites. The most destructive of these two groups are the ground termites. They hide and go undetected for years.

The USA termites are a homeowner’s nightmare. The wood termites, which are the drywood and the dampwood, live in wood, usually dead wood, so these colonies are smaller than the underground termites. They feed and fertilize the soil as they turn the dead wood and plant debris into humus.

When you see termite activity or think you see termites, your home is in desperate need of professional help. These termites can find the smallest crack, floor cracks and joint expansion areas that provide entrance to your home. Your home should always be checked for these types of entryways. The foundation of your house could be under attack.

Because these termites cost billions of dollars in damage a year for the homeowners, we need to inspect our homes to make sure we have no USA termite activity. If you have or suspect you have termites, you need to contact a professional for follow up examination and possible treatments.

Never take on this project yourself unless you know exactly what you are doing. You need the proper gear, chemicals and reading materials. If you feel comfortable doing the job, talk to your local hardware store clerk and find the right termite pesticide, not ant pesticides. Ant pesticides will not kill the termites as the termite pesticides will not kill the ants. You need the proper pesticide to do the job.

You can also find more info on Types Of Termites and American Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Those Annoying African Termites

2007-09-17T01:16:00.001-07:00

Part of the animal kingdom includes something all building owners fret about, the termite. In the wild, termites help to control the balance of nature, although they are a pest, they provide an ecological need, as they feed on dead trees and provide the nutrients to fertilize the soil. Although we see termites as a pest, they do more for nature then we realize. They help with many things in nature and without the termite in the wild; nature would suffer a great impact as the soil deteriorates from lack of fertilization needed to start new growth.

All together, there are over three thousand varieties of termites. They differ from each other by structure in their colonies, color and devastation. African termites have a keen survival method. Everyone has a different view about termites, but if you look at the African termite, you will see that they have actually created a colony to live that reaches heights of twenty feet.

Within the colony, one may find as many as five million of these annoying little destroyers. They keep an internal temperature of about eighty-six degrees inside the colony. Science learns a great deal about the African termite by studying the construction of the colonies and the ability to control their internal temperature in the nest.

Tunnels and air ducts within the nest of the African termite allow for airflow, temperature and moisture control. As more studies are conducted on the mounds of the African termite with a digital scanning devise, receiving a clear picture and understanding of the construction and design of these mounds may help with construction of building in the future. The African termite has such a unique way of constructing the mounds that designers and builders learn about such things as temperature and airflow control.

We have dealt with termites throughout time and millions have been spent to rid homes and buildings of these destructive pests. African termites actually have the ability to live with changes in the environment they live in although they are incredibility small. We might learn from the African termite if we could look past their devastating affects on our society. Even if we learn a few things from natures habitants, we have learned more than what we could from years of life and technology. Although technology provides us, the ability to learn from the African termites it is also technology that we use to terminate them as well.

You can also find more information at Drywood Termites and Flying Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Termites Can Ruin Your Home

2007-09-17T01:15:00.005-07:00

There are three conditions that attract termites to an area:

Water is the first condition that attracts termites to an area. Termites generally cannot survive without a source of water present. Termites will always seek some source of moisture to survive whether it is in the form of a leaky faucet, sprinkler or rain.

Wood is the next thing that will attract termites. Termites will consume any material that contains cellulose. Since wood contains a great deal of cellulose, termites eat wood like no other. If a single piece of wood touches the ground, a colony of termites somewhere will know about it. Some subterranean termites will consume other materials such as vegetation, dung, and humus, but their primary source of food is wood.

The last thing that termites are attracted to is soil. Termites are subterranean, so they build their colonies in the ground. They love soil and will build elaborate tunnel systems, called galleries up to three feet below the surface. Termites will use soil to create mud tubes leading from their underground colonies to above ground food sources such as the wood in your home.

Being aware of the three conditions for termite survival can help you to keep destructive termites away from your home. Termites cost over $1 billion in damages to homes each year. They are one of the biggest contributors to home destruction. With the importation of the Formosan termite from East Asia, the amount of termite caused home damage continues to rise. A termite colony consists of anywhere from 250,000 to a million termites. A single termite queen can live between 30 and 50 years and can lay thousands of eggs per day. That means that a queen can repopulate her colony even after tremendous devastation. The best way to fight termites is to prevent them from ever touching your home.

So if you want to find more about pest control or even about New Jersey pest control or pest control Monmouth new jersey, please click these links.

The Need To Know Information About Termites

2007-09-17T01:15:00.003-07:00

Many people know nothing about termites, and never think about it becoming a problem for them. Although many studies have shown for every home, there are at least four colonies of termites living around the house and property. Some people do not know the difference between ants and termites. Many homeowners find termite infestations and think their home is totally destroyed. This is not the case if you have all the information about termites and practice monthly inspections of your home and property for termites.

We need to have all the information about termites to protect our homes. What most people do not realize, is if you do regular checks of your home, you can prevent severe damage to your home. Termites do not discriminate between new homes and older homes; they will feed anywhere they find cellulose, which is found in wood.

This reason alone is the main reason for obtaining information about termites, how to protect your home and property. When you finish reading some important facts and information about termites , you can fight the war with the rest of us against termites.

Here are some facts about termites that help you learn about termites:

• There are three groups of termites, the Formosan, subterranean, and the drywood termite. The subterranean is also known as the ground termite.

• All three-termite groups are attracted to the cellulose in wood. Therefore, wood structures, furniture, and any outdoors wood product are fair game to the termite.

• Ground termites live underground and drywood termites nest near the feeding ground and can be anywhere at any height.

• There are the reproductive termite, who breed only, soldiers who protect the colony and the queen and king. The worker termite brings food back to the colony and builds the tunnels and the colonies.

• Termites help the ecosystem by feeding on dead trees, branches, plant debris and stumps and this process produces fertilizer for the soil as they eliminate feces.

• The worst termite because of their population and ability to consume your home in a short time is the Formosan termite. They are also known as the super termite because of their speed.

• Ground termites live in common areas of the country, while Hawaii, Puerto Rico and California have drywood termites. Louisiana, Georgia and California have problems with Formosan termites.

• You can kill and eliminate termites from your home once you become infested.

Once you have the information about termites, you become more aware of the types and areas you can find them in and the way the work. This helps all homeowners protect the home and outside property.

You can also find more info on Facts About Termites and Home Treatment Of Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Finding Termites In America

2007-09-17T01:15:00.001-07:00

Termites in America are destructive and annoying insects that we have to contend with to protect our homes and buildings. Although they appear harmless, they can destroy a wood structure in no time if left untreated. Many areas of the United States have horrible infestations and termites have caused millions of dollars in damage. Because people normally do not know they have termites until it has become a bigger problem, termite infestation can cause many buildings to sustain structure damage beyond repair. Some people believe they have white ants, when in reality, they have termites.

If you have more facts about termites, you will have a better understanding of the problem. If this problem does not catch your attention quickly, you will see damage to your home or building that may cost you more money to fix than it costs to rid your building of the termites in America.

Here you will see the four groups of termites in America:

• Dampwood Termites- This breed of termites has the largest population of termites in the United States with a length of one inch for adults. This type of termite is found on the Pacific Coast in places like Florida where they feed on the wet woods such as pilings and poles. This American termite does not tunnel in mud and have oval shaped feces.

• Subterranean Termites- This type of American termite is the most common species that finds its way to buildings and structures made of wood. If the building is in contact with soil, they find their way to the building from their underground nests. When this termite matures, it will grow wings.

• Drywood Termites- This termite infests drywood and are a bit bigger than the

Subterranean termite. These termites have wings and fly from destination to

destination.

• Powderpost Termites- This type of termite feeds on floors and furniture along with your woodwork. They are smaller than other termites and are similar to the drywood termite.

Termites in America exist everywhere, but with proper knowledge about the pest and what they look like and what they can do, people can protect themselves from an infestation before they damage your building and belonging. It comes in handy to know the winged typed and the non-winged types of termites. If you do have termites in America, you will want to contact an exterminator promptly before they do so much damage that you will need structure work as well as replacement of your belongings.

You can also find more info on Ground Termites and Termites And Ants. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Did You Know The Effects On Ecosystems By Ground Termites

2007-09-17T01:14:00.005-07:00

The ecosystem groups all organisms together in their relationship to the environment and to each other. Everything that happens in our environment relates back to everything in one way or another. Whether these events directly or indirectly affect the environment, all things big or small play a part in our ecosystem.

The subterranean termite or as they are some time’s called the ground termite nest underground and can cause devastation if they become over populated. Other types of termites build mounds that rise as far up as twenty feet above ground. The subterranean termites nest underground and the soil becomes rich in nutrients needed for growth of grass, trees, and flowers and in some cases plentiful crops from the farmers.

Effects On Ecosystem By Ground Termites Facts

The effects of ecosystems by ground termites have a positive rating, while receiving a negative review from us as homeowners. The termite contributes to our environment by fertilizing the soil as they clean up dead leaves, deadwood and branches. Although these pests can destroy a home, they can aid in the growth of our environment.

The ground termite aids the deadwood decomposition as they feed and speed up the decomposition process, allowing the soil to receive fertilizer needed for new growth. This process would not happen if not for the subterranean termites. Without the help of the termite, soils would eventually need us to fertilize the land in order to maintain our forests and other beautiful wooded areas.

Farmers have been known to plant their crops nearby a termite mound because the soil is fertilized and crops grow healthy without artificial fertilizer. In the forest or in farmer’s fields, you will see the healthiest growth thanks to the termites. This allows new growth and healthy grow as the decomposition of debris because of termites help with the effects on ecosystems by ground termites.

Termites will live with us and grow in population as they feed and produce daily. While we wish the termite extinct, if this would happen, the effects on ecosystems by ground termites would suffer a great deal. Believe it not, we need these annoying pests to survive and grow. We need the termite to fertilize our land and help with the decomposition process in many areas. Termites are welcome in the wilderness, but as a homeowner, we condemn the termite that will have a devastating affect on our homes and other buildings.

You can also find more information on Flying Termites and Formosan Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

The Problem Is Where Do Termites Live

2007-09-17T01:14:00.003-07:00

The professional pest control companies are trained to know where the termites live and what vicinity of your home they might be found. Where do termites live? They live in your home and outside for a general description. Read on for more descriptive living quarters of the termite.

Finding the nest is harder to do in some cases then finding them in your home. Underground termites leave some mud tunnels, but you might not recognize this as a sign you have termites close. Termites go undetected because of where they live. So then where do termites live? They live everywhere.

Because termites live everywhere and most houses have up to four colonies in the area, there homes are subjected to termite infestations. The problem is they are hard to find and this is the reason for the big problem with termites. With proper preventive measures, you can avoid living with termites.

Mud tunnels connect the colony to the food and this is one sure sign the termites are living in the ground. If you see this activity, you need to use proper action to eliminate the outside colony and then work on the inside. Whether you use a professional or you do it yourself, it needs to be done quickly.

Besides the underground termite nests, there are the drywood termites that live in wood. If you see holes, cracks or any disturbance on the outside of the house, you may have a wood nesting termite. Wood dwelling termites also live in damp wood, decayed and rotted woods. This is mostly in the outdoors, unless the inside of the home has the same wood type. Some older unkempt houses that are abandoned see termites by the millions.

Moisture makes a happy termite and they flock to these areas and from there, they start feeding. They live where they have protection from environmental changes, as they do not adapt to the changes. Cold weather termite activity might slow down, but it does not stop. We know where termites like to live, but finding them is harder than people think. This is the reason for so much damage done by termites.

Ideal climates of the termite are a humid climate attracts the termite as they seek out not only feed, but also moisture. Some species prefer soil because it has the right amount of airflow and moisture, which keeps the termite cooler during warm weather. If you know the answer for where do termites live, you can then safeguard your home and property to prevent termite infestations.

You can also find more info on Boric Acid For Termites and Inspecting For Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Termite Tenting Preparation Is Important

2007-09-17T01:14:00.001-07:00

If you have an especially large termite infestation, your pest control company may suggest a termite tenting preparation for your home. Termite tenting preparation is generally used when the entire house, or at least a majority of it, is infested inside the home or structure. The pest control company will erect a giant tent around your house and then they will release a termite killing gas into the home or structure.

As with any procedure that involves pesticides, termite tenting preparation is often considered dangerous, unnecessary, and outlandishly expensive, but the truth is that if your home has a bad termite problem, this may be the best option for you. By fumigating the structure with termite killing gas, it’s a way to kill off any of the worker termites that are residing inside your home and can allow you to begin gaining control of a damaging situation.

What happens when you choose a termite tenting preparation for your structure? First, the structure is covered with a tarp or tent that is sealed and secure. You will have to stay out of the home for at least two to three days and be sure that all food products are inside sealed bags which the pest control company can usually provide for you. They will release the termite killing gas inside the structure and place fans inside to circulate the gas. Warning signs will be placed around your property to keep anyone outside of the structure while the gas is circulating and killing the termites.

On the second day of your termite tenting preparation, the tarp will be removed and the gas will be aired out of the home. On the third day, your pest control company will verify that all of the gas is removed from the home by using special instruments to gauge how much, if any gas is left. These instruments will determine if it is safe for you to come back into your home.

Many people are apprehensive about termite tenting preparation because of the use of the powerful gas used to kill the termites. While the gas can be lethal when breathed in in large doses, but it is actually safe once the home has been cleared by the pest control company. The gas that is used does not stick to surfaces, so it won’t adhere to things like dishes, countertops, and furniture. Some people, however, choose to wipe down all exposed surfaces for piece of mind, and that’s alright.

When you have a termite tenting preparation done to your home, it will kill all live termites inside the structure. It will not, however, kill the termite eggs that remain. However, when the baby termite eggs hatch, there will be no worker termites to feed them, so they will die off quickly. It is also important to have the area under your house treated as well to kill any subterranean termites that have taken up residence under your home. If you neglect this step of the procedure, you will risk re-infestation.

Termite tenting preparation for severe termite infestations can be a good way to get rid of your termites in one fell swoop. However, don’t forget to formulate a follow-up plan with your pest control company to prevent those pesky insects from coming back!

Percy Troughton runs his own garden center as well as running several shopping based websites. Check out these great Garden Resources or this excellent Homes And Gardens Advice site.
http://www.homegardensadvice.com

What To Look For With Termite Habits

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The primary concern of homeowners and building owners is protect their wood structures from the annoying termites. Although the ground termite causes a great deal of damage, the Formosan termite species , also known as the super termite cause devastation faster than the ground termite because they travel to higher areas than the ground termite.

In the United States, subterranean termites also known as the ground termites are destructive and devastating to many homeowners. Billions of dollars a year are spent to repair damage done by the ground termite. This figure is larger than fire and windstorm damage done yearly.

With some knowledge of termite habits, you will be able to avoid damage to your home. The most important thing to remember is how termites work. If you have information on the termite habits and their lifecycle, feeding and description, you can work to prevent an infestation in your home. When we know this information, you can inspect and look for termite activity and takes measures to avoid serious damage.

Home Invitation

The termite habits are indeed sophisticated. They can enter your home in the most unusual ways. The smallest hole or crack can allow them access to your home. Termites smell the cellulose in your home and find any way they can to enter your home.

Although termite habits are to feed on dead wood, tree stumps and plant debris, if they find their way to your home, you wood structure will do just fine for feeding. This is when the problems begin. If you catch the termite infestation quickly enough, you can prevent a substantial amount of damage.

Any homeowner may have up to four colonies around the home, since facts tell as that there are about fifteen colonies per square acre, therefore, every home can have four colonies in the area. Termite habits are sleek as they find their way to your foundation and into your home. You never know they are there unless you inspect and know what to look for.

Termite Habits Confirmed

Swarmers come out during the spring. If you see the flying termites, they are not flying ants and chances are you will have colonies just populating as you sit there deciding if they are flying ants or something else. These swarmers are looking for mates to populate the colonies.

Workers are the ones that cause the damage, swarmer breed and lay eggs daily. If you have swarmers in the area, there are workers already working to build the nest for the reproductive termite. It is better to kill the swarmer's before they mate Termite habits never change. They are never spontaneous; they feed on wood, damage our wood structures on a daily basis, and do not stop unless we stop them.

You can also find more info on Flying Termites and Formosan Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.

Seek Out Information On Different Types Of Termites

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These social and destructive insects live off wood, decay and dead leaf and plants. Although there are over three thousand species of termites, there are three main groups called the subterranean, Formosan and drywood termites. These groups of termites have many different varieties and live in different parts of the country. Knowing the type of infestation you have is vital to eliminating your home of an infestation.

Drywood Termites

This termite infests drywood and is a bit bigger than the subterranean termite. These termites have wings and fly from area to area because in search of food sources. The drywood termite lives above ground unlike the other two groups of termites. This helps to identify them if you have an infestation in or around your home or building.

This termite lives in rotted tree trunks, stumps and in some cases buildings. Because these termites live above ground, the destruction is noticed before it become serious. If you spot a dry, powdery and smooth looking pellet piles by a wood structure, chances are you have an infestation of drywood termites. The termite pushes out the feces as they feed on the wood, leaving the evidence of infestation.

Subterranean Termites

The subterranean termite is found in many areas of the country. They also are the most damaging termite of all the species. They live underground and feed on wood. They search out their food source and tunnel into areas they find food supplies. The termite usually caused a great deal of damage before being detected. Repairing the damage made by the termite can amount to a sustainable amount of money.

Consuming up to fifteen pounds of wood a week, a single termite that goes undetected can eat you out of house and home before you realize what the problem. Think about how much wood is consumed by thousands of termites. This makes their type of termite the worst out of all the groups of termites. If one two by four weighs ten pounds, one termite can consume three two by fours in three weeks while we know there are more than one termite, your house could be condemned in a matter of months.

Because they live underground, you may see worker termites in foundations and in some cases your furniture. Once they have their fill and now food left they will move on to the next food source, maybe a neighbors home.

Formosan Termites

Not native to the United States, the Formosan termite originates in Asia and come to the states on wood products brought in by ships during the WWII. Many times home where built of infested wood and the cost to the government was substantial to rid the homes of infestations. The termite lives underground as well.

You can also find more information on Knowing If You Still Have Termites Signs Of Termites. Termiteshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about termites.