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Waterfront Luxury Home Specialist

239.821.7926
Cathy.Rogers@Sothebysrealty.com

Check For Signs Of Destructive Insects

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You’ve probably heard of termites, but do you know what signs to look for regarding termite activity before you buy a house? Are you aware that there are other insects that can literally destroy the structure of a home, such as carpenter ants? Termites are native to 49 states in the U.S. and cause more than five billion dollars in property damage a year. While there are ways to salvage a home after termite or carpenter ant invasion, it is far less costly to prevent or catch signs of trouble early.

Termites eat dead plants and trees, so they love wood in homes. They can also eat plastic, paper and even drywall. They love warm, dark places, such as crawlspaces and woodpiles.

Check For Moisture

It’s very important to notice the moisture of the ground around a home’s exterior. Is it constantly wet or boggy? If so, this is a sign that termites may be a problem, as they are attracted to moisture.

Check the gutters and downspouts on homes to see that they are present and working. This also assures that water is more likely to divert from the home instead of laying near the foundation, lowering the risk of termites.

Signs Of Termites

When looking for termite activity, look for wood damage (particularly small, 1 mm sized holes in wood, especially behind surfaces like walls and floors). You can also find termite holes in plaster or drywall.

Another key sign is small discarded insect wings near windows or doors. It is a myth that termites only seek residence in a home in the winter – they have high activity in all seasons.

Pencil-sized mud tubules in the ground near a home are another key indicator of termite invasion. While termites are a nuisance, they aren’t the only insect that can invade wood. Carpenter ants also invade wood – they are large ants with wings that don’t eat wood, but invade and hollow out wood to make nests.

Home Inspectors & Exterminators

If you suspect a home you own or are considering purchasing has experienced a problem with destructive insects, it is well worth hiring a home inspector or exterminator to investigate potential issues. It is far easier to prevent infestations or stop them when they are small than to deal with a large problem, which can be costly and time consuming.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

First, check out available Marco Island area properties using this helpful search tool. If it’s easier, you can just call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’re happy to contact you however you prefer. Then, we’ll start searching our databases right away using criteria you specify!

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How To Keep Your Home House Fly Free

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Keep your home house-fly freeAs the calendar turns to June and the temperatures start to rise in Florida and nationwide, we begin to spot more bugs, insects and pests as compared to during the winter.

Hiring an exterminator is one way to limit the number of ground-based bugs in your home. For example, periodic treatments can help to keep ants, beetles and termites at bay.

For airborne pests, however, prevention can be more difficult.

House flies can be especially nagging. They often enter through open doors and windows, then buzz through kitchen and bedrooms, spreading germs and general annoyance.

If your home is battling house flies, the good news is that there are a number of chemical-free, environmentally-friendly ways to reduce or eliminate house flies; solutions that are safe for homes with children and pets.

First, make sure your screen doors and screened-in windows are all in working order. Tears, rips and holes should be repaired or replaced. This is often a house fly’s easiest point of entry into your home.

Next, remember that house flies are attracted to surfaces with sugar or protein. Therefore, it’s important to keep kitchen surfaces and non-carpeted floors clean because these are probable “hot spots” for a house fly. Clean once or multiple times per day, and try to use products containing orange, clove or lemon oil. These oils often repel flies.

Then, examine all trash cans. Lids should remain tightly closed and garbage bags should be changed frequently. Garbage is a breeding ground for house flies and, because flies can hatch from eggs in a matter of hours, the sooner your garbage is sealed and moved to a garage or outdoor dumpster, the better.

Lastly, consider placing 2-3 dozen cloves into an apple and leaving it in a room in which flies are bothersome. The smell of the cloves repels flies and, although it won’t prevent flies from returning, the method is helpful for temporary fly relief.

Contact Cathy


239.821.7926
Cathy.Rogers@Sothebysrealty.com