The Bug Man has been providing trusted pest control in Little Rock since 1976, and we’ve always made it a top priority to stay informed about the best practices in our industry and ensure that our team members receive continuing education each year. We’re proud to be members of The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which has designated March 2-8 as “Termite Awareness Week.” PPMA is calling on its members to educate homeowners about the threat that termites present, and we’re always a phone call away whenever Arkansas homeowners have questions about termites or other household pests!

Each year, termites are responsible for about $5 billion in repair and prevention costs, and they cause more structural damage than fires, floods, and tornadoes combined. That’s why it’s so important to schedule an annual termite inspection so you can enjoy year-round peace of mind! Termite inspections typically take less than an hour, and they enable our technicians to detect infestations early and identify any potential new entry points. It takes a trained eye to spot termite activity, and you probably won’t be able to spot an infestation on your own until it’s too late. However, there are still several easy things homeowners can do to discourage future activity and keep their homes pest-free:

Watch out for water and moisture accumulation. Termites and other insects love moisture, so clean your gutters and downspouts regularly and add a little gravel to areas where rainwater accumulates near your home.

Monitor exterior wood surfaces. We get rain year-round in Arkansas, so be on the lookout for water damage, particularly near your roofline and eaves. Replace any damaged exterior wood immediately, and use weather-resistant paint to eliminate termite access points.

Mow your lawn and prune your yard vegetation. One of the most effective ways to stop insect infestations before they start is to eliminate potential habitats and food sources. Prune any hedges that are in direct contact with your home, and contact a professional tree service if you have any overhanging limbs making direct contact with your roof. If you want to keep weeds out of your flowerbeds, gravel and lava rock is a longer-lasting and much less termite-prone option than wood mulch.

To learn more about termite control or schedule your annual termite inspection, contact us online, or give us a call at 501-663-9464.