Finding Hidden Damage

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Employee wearing a half face respirator and gloves is holding up a mirror and on the back is severe termite damage.

Sometimes in the process of cleaning up a water damage, or really any kind of damage that SERVPRO of Leavenworth and NW Wyandotte County handles: fire, storm, general cleaning, etc, we find secondary damage from any number of sources. Sometimes it is mold damage from if the water loss was left untreated for too long. However in this case it is damage from a termite infestation. This is a rarer find than mold or asbestos but it does still happen. For some tips on how to prevent a termite infestation in your home please see the below information: 

Keep all shrubbery near your home trimmed, allowing at least a 12 inch space between the plants and the exterior wall of your home. This will create an air flow and allow damp areas to dry out quicker. 
Use pine needles instead of mulch. Pine needles are less appealing to  termites. 
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home’s foundation. Termites like moisture and a sprinkler pointing toward your home creates an ideal environment for them.