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Experts Suggest A Proactive Approach To Termite Prevention

BELLMORE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- March madness means basketball to some, but to others, it means a battle with swarming termites that chew through wood and destroy homes.

"Having termites is a big concern. They are destructive, I don't know if termites pose health concerns, but it is certainly something I'm worried about," Bellmore homeowner Christine Strifas told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan.

New age means changes in environmental safeguards, no more pesticides are sprayed into the soil. Now, 'green' baits, traps, and monitors protect groundwater.

As Victor Bonavita, the President of New York Pest Management Association, explained, termites feed on dead tree roots, fences, wood piles, and easily migrate to nearby homes.

Infestation can undermine a foundation.

"Termites are blind insects so as they travel along it is a matter of what food source they bump into and if they find a good food source in your wall they are going to feed on it as opposed to the tree right outside," Bonavita explained.

Even a brutally cold winter had no effect on termite populations because they live underground and inside our homes, according to professionals.

"Homeowners will panic when they see swarmers, ironically it is not the swarmers that are doing the damage. It is nature's way of saying, 'Hello, we have a problem.' The workers, the soldiers, the king, and the queen are underground," Arthur Katz, Knockout Pest Control, explained.

March through June is mating season. It's the only time humans will see termites as babies hatch and surface to make new colonies.

Many licensed pest management professionals offer termite inspections for free. They recommend them once a year whether or not you see swarms.

 

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