NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla - Termites might not be seen, but it doesn't mean the insects are there. Homeowners have to be aware of the looming threat.
"The University of Florida estimates there's 3 to 6 colonies on an average acre of ground in Florida," Scott Kight said. Kight works as a termite specialist for Fort Myers Pest Control.
Kight and his technician recommend preventive treatment especially when it comes to subterranean termites.
"The damage dry wood termites will do over a period of a few years subterranean termites can do that in a few months," Kight said.
There are a couple of ways to treat a home for termites. There is a liquid spraying option. However, those treatments require more applications.
"It has to be done every few years because the liquid degrades in the soil over time," Kight said.
Fort Myers Pest Control uses the Sentricon system. It is a preventive measure that inserts special things into the ground that attract and kill colonies.
"It is a one time service," Kight said. "Then after that there's just an annual maintenance fee after that," he added.
Kight said pest control would then go and check each station to see if it needs to be replaced. He said it is the same type of protection the White House and the Statue of Liberty uses.
He said often times termites don't jump out at people since they are hide behind dry walls.
"It's not something that is typically on somebody's radar until you've had a problem," Kight said.
Fort Myers Pest Control recommends you look out for wings on your property.
"You should get all the moisture you can away from your house," Kight said. "If you get a roof lieak, get on it and address it quickly," he added.
If you don't opt for Sentricon and liquid treatments, Kight hopes at the very least you call out a professional for some help. He recommends two checks a year for termites.
