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Janet Allinger

Termites

The saying goes that there are three types of homes: those that have had termites, those that have termites and those that will have termites. When you discover them, you don't need to panic, but you do need to act. You are generally required to have a termite bond to sell a home, and hopefully you have a yearly inspection contract with a pest control company. Call them immediately and tell them you have discovered termites. Your contract most likely has a “retreat” clause, which means they will reapply termiticide to the affected area. Don't try to clean up the termite-infested area until this professional has come — he or she will need to thoroughly inspect the area to determine from where the termites are coming and where treatment is needed. Your action is to eliminate the things that caused the termites to start feasting on your home, such as a leak or crack near your foundation, wood piles next to the house, or wood or vinyl siding that touches the ground.