FAIRFAX, Va.– Termites are one of the most devastating insect species to impact homeowners. These creatures eat non-stop and can severely damage the structural stability of homes without anyone even knowing. In honor of Termite Awareness Week, this March 6 – 12, 2022, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is spreading awareness about these destructive pests.
“Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage, which is more like $6.8 billion when you adjust for current inflation. These heavy costs are not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies and instead come right out of the property owner’s pocket,” said Cindy Mannes, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for NPMA. “Termites are also known as silent destroyers because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected, which explains the need to be vigilant about termite inspection and control.”
In a recent survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of NPMA among 521 homeowners in the United States with an annual household income of at least $75,000, NPMA found that 55% of these homeowners have used a licensed pest control professional to conduct a termite inspection on their home. As spring emerges, nearly 2 in 5 homeowners (38%) plan to schedule a termite inspection to protect against potential infestations. NPMA would like to see the rate of inspections increase.
This Termite Awareness Week, NPMA is highlighting a series of projects that showcase the extent of termites’ destructive diet:
Will They Eat It: Ever wondered what termites can chew through besides wood? From shoes to towels, this video series documents the eye-opening results of what happens when termite colonies are introduced to various household items.
Tiny Termite House: In this project, NPMA introduced more than half a million voracious termites to a tiny, built-to-scale home, revealing the destructive nature of the pest like never before. This resource portal provides verifiable proof of how quickly and methodically termites can eat away at a structure and cause critical damage if left unchecked.
Spring is prime termite season, but luckily the NPMA provides homeowners with some termite prevention tips. These pests cannot be controlled with do-it-yourself measures. So, if you notice signs of a termite infestation, contact a licensed pest professional immediately to implement an appropriate treatment plan.
