My Neighbor Has Termites – What Should I Do?

You are driving home from work, and you notice your neighbor’s house has a huge tent over it and is being treated for termites. Initially, you start to panic, thinking that their termite infestation is going to now become your problem since they are driving away termites. However, before you start to panic, let’s review some basic termite information and how infestations occur to put your mind at ease.

Don’t Panic

The fact that your neighbors have a tent over their home is an indication that termites are active in your neighborhood. It may not necessarily mean termite colonies are present on your property or in your home—yet.

Termite Infestations Can Be Controlled

Termites are part of nature, and it is not a matter of if but when your home will become infested. Termites can be controlled and kept out of your home with the right termite treatments and termite control. Here in California, termites will eventually overrun any subdivision if they are not kept in check.

You Can Prevent Termites

Depending on when your subdivision was built, the wood used in the homes may have been pretreated for termites, although this treatment does wear off with age and is no longer effective. For instance, your subdivision is ten years old and your neighbors are having their home treated. This lets you know you probably should have your home treated, too, as a safeguard from a potential termite infestation.

If your neighbor is using a reputable termite extermination company, then they will be skilled at killing your neighbor’s termites with no risk to your home. Yet, if your neighbor is using termite-repellant products, it may be worthwhile to also have these installed around your home. Repellants create an “invisible” barrier that termites will not cross.

Termite Colony Expansion is Slow

Termite colonies are limited in the area they cover. There can be hundreds of termite colonies in a relatively small area of about an acre or less. This is because termite colony expansion is a slow process, in regards to how far termites migrate from the initial colony.

Do I Need to Have My Home Treated for Termites, Too?

Your home may be termite-free and not need to be treated at all. At the very least, you should schedule a detailed home inspection with a reputable and experienced termite control and extermination company. The inspection will help determine:

*If there are termites on your property.

*Where termite colonies are located.

*If there are signs of termite activity inside your home.

*What treatments—both extermination and preventative—you can use to protect your home.

It is also a good idea to have your home inspected once it is ten years old or older and if a detailed inspection has not been done within the past two to three years.

After your home has been inspected, if it is termite-free, then it is up to you as to what preventative treatments you want to use to keep termites out. Just remember, even if your neighbor has termites, it does not always mean your home has been infested, too.

To schedule an appointment for a detailed termite inspection and what treatments your home could require, please feel free to contact MightyMite Termite Services at 408-377-3761 now!