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This is not the most pleasant of topics, but many Florida homeowners know very little about the danger that termites pose to their property, especially absentee owners. 

Because termites thrive in warm climates, activity is greatest in the southern states.  These tiny intruders may take up residence in a home for years before any damage is finally discovered and by that time, it can be costly to repair.  Even homes built with concrete block need treatment, as termites can live in dry wood, such as attics, in crawlspaces, framing or sometimes hardwood flooring.

Older homes, where it's more likely that the foundation may have cracked, probably are more inclined to be at risk.   But new homes also need treatment.  If termite pretreatments during construction are not done correctly by the builder, termite swarms can take hold even after five years.

So, in order to be proactive and keep these creepy crawly insects out, buyers should ask sellers of a home if they already have a termite protection program in place.  If not, it is wise to have a termite inspection done before closing on a home.  While termite inspections are included in most standard home inspections, not all home inspectors are experts in this area.

For current homeowners, some expert suggestions are:

*  Keep moisture out.  Use downspouts and gutters to divert water away from the home's foundation.

*  Ensure shrubs, vines, and other plants aren't planted too close to the home and aren't covering vents.

*  Ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity.

*  Eliminate gaps and cracks in areas such as attic vents, window joints, and roof eaves.

*  Remove old tree stumps and roots near the home.

And the very best defense of all:  schedule regular inspections with a termite specialist, or one can use the "do-it-yourself" termite treatment programs that local home supply stores carry.  Either way, you don't want termites to eat up your investment!