Planet Friendly

PLANET FRIENDLY What Are the Signs of Termites in Your Alexandria Home?

LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE PROS

BY GENE WRIGHT

How can you know if there are termites in your home? These voracious wood-eating insects can invade a house and cause permanent, irreparable damage, even during winter months.

If you have an infestation that is not yet serious, it may be hard to tell that termites have moved in. But do not worry. In this article, we will walk you through the common early warning signs of termites and help you stop these pests before they have a chance to take over.

Here are a few signs you should watch for:

Discarded Wings

Discarded wings are one of the first warning signs of termites and are typically seen during spring months when the insects swarm and reproduce.

If you find discarded wings in your home, or near vulnerable wood like door and window frames, it could be a sign of an infestation.

Bubbling Wood or Paint

As termites feed, they create hollow openings and tunnels in your home’s wood structures. These channels are eventually filled with moisture the insects secrete as they feed.

This moisture eventually builds up in the wood, creating an effect that looks like water damage. Blistering, bubbling, and peeling is a potential sign of termites that should never go ignored!

Mud Tubes

To date, we only have one termite species in Alexandria, the eastern subterranean termite. This termite species builds mud tubes or tunnels between their colonies and potential food sources.

These tubes are most found near the home’s foundation, leading from the ground up to wood. Each tube looks like a narrow vein or pathway of mud that follows an irregular or winding pattern. If you find mud tubes on or around your home, the time to act is now.

Warped Window and Door Frames

While it is one of the less obvious signs of termite damage, you should keep an eye out for damage to this wood, which is often exposed and accessible.

When termites eat into window and door frames, the wood warps in a way that looks like water damage. This warping can make doors and windows harder to open and close properly.

Getting Rid of Termites

The type of termite infestation and the size of the colony determine how difficult it will be to remove. If the infestation is small and localized, you might be able to contain it with a DIY termite control solution. These overthe-counter products work well, but only for small infestations. But the termites could be living in a nearby property and still infest your house. Once termites have found a source of food, they will always return for more.

Professional exterminators offer the most effective termite control solutions. If your property is infested and you are not sure where to start, your best bet is to team up with professionals.

Finally, here are some things you can do to prevent or at least limit termite infestations in the future: • Minimize wood-to-soil contact in sheds, fence posts, and other wooden structures • Store firewood away from your house • Make sure all areas around

your home’s foundation are properly drained • Minimize the use of sprinkler systems • Remove tree stumps along with their root systems • Remove decaying mulch

GIVE BLOOD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Nearly 40% of the population is able to donate blood, but less than 10% do so regularly. There is no substitute for human blood – it only comes from generous volunteer donors.

Many people first donate at high school or college blood drives when they are asked for the first time. Others start donating when someone close needs blood components, due to an accident or as part of treatment for a disease. Still others donate because they like how they feel helping others.

No matter the reason, it’s vital to give blood if you can. The need has only increased due to COVID. Blood drives using the INOVA Bloodmobile are so valuable to answering the need for blood.

If you have any questions about donating blood, you can find most of the answers on the FAQ page on the INOVA website, https:// www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/frequently-askedquestions/.

Please stay tuned to The Zebra’s website and Facebook page for information on how to register for the April 22 Blood Drive at the Zebra office. It’s a great way to “Be The Good News in Someone’s Life!”

Image: USDA Home and Garden Bulletin 62 Termite colonies can develop in woody debris and gain access to your home.