Every year millions upon millions of termites take to the air in living rooms across the land proclaiming to the stunned home owners, 'we're here!' The spectacle is frightening at first but once a can of Raid has doused the would be home invaders and the bugs are all vacuumed up a sigh of relief comes forth and then they are forgotten.
Only a mature termite colony will expend the energy and resources to make winged reproductives. They pick a warm sunny day usually after a rain in the spring to give them the best chance of survival but still only a small fraction ever make it far enough to mate. Spiders, birds and Raid are just some of the enemies for this fragile termite. The swarm usually only lasts for about an hour and if it does happen in your home you may think the danger is over once it has stopped. In reality the danger never stopped at all because those that actually do damage never show themselves and continue to work in the darkness of your walls after the spectacle.
Numbers can be staggering in colonies but the minimum amount to produce flying termites is about 60,000. It takes at least 2 years for this but often times longer. The queen lives to lay eggs and there are other queens in waiting that also help in this task. Rapid growth of a colony happens when multiple females are laying eggs and conditions are right. Well established termites will produce swarmers every year which is a sign of a strong nest.
The only termite in the colony that actually does any damage to a structure is the worker termite. Completely blind they feed and move in total darkness. They build tunnels in which to move and pack mud that holds moisture in the areas they are eating in. The workers then travel back down to the colony hub where they feed the rest the wood they have digested. Despite not having any sight they are very adept at finding ways into a home or building. Even a tiny crack about as thick as a business card is more than enough for the pliable termite.
Since they are blind they do not travel across the ground where they can be seen. Instead exterminators look for small mud tunnels or exit holes filled with mud to detect an infestation. There is however no guarantee that 'not' seeing these signs means you are free and clear of this wood destroying insect. Established colonies consume about two feet of a 2x4 every six months but you may never know it until it is too late. The wise consumer will at the very least have a termite inspection once per year. A truly prudent homeowner will have the home treated preventively to avoid the costly damage, visible signs or not.
Worried about termites wondering why there are wings on your windowsill? You may have Termites. Learn more - Do I Have Termites?
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January 30 2012 | Home Improvement | No Comments »
There are two types of people opening up their utility bills. Ones that are paying out the nose; and ones that are getting money back from the utility company. You could be one that is getting money back every month. The answer to the question running through your head is right out your front door. It's solar energy. Solar Water Heaters. Renewable energy is the answer. Tax Credits are being given out by the Federal government just for making the switch.
Saving money is always a big deal. If you decide to make the jump to solar power in your home, you may be eligible for Federal, State and Local Government Rebates and Tax Incentives as a home owner. No more rising electric bills. Seeing your bill actually go down every month, until you see a zero balance and then money coming back to you. Nice thoughts aren't they. They systems end up paying for themselves with increased resale home values.
In some areas utility companies allow Net Metering which allows the selling back of energy. If you have a solar or wind energy system any excess you may have will help to offset the cost of your utility bill and helps to promote the use of renewable energy. The customer, their pocketbook and the environment all benefit from the arrangement.
Renewable energy such as solar energy comes in many forms. There are solar panels, solar kits, solar ventilation and solar inverters just to name a few. Attics have been using Solar ventilation for awhile; they help to eliminate ice dams in cold weather, extend the roofs life and reduce air conditioning costs. Kits vary in contents but on average contain everything you need for a complete installation, and solar panels are just that solar panels.
Mother Earth will be whispering in your ear, naming all the renewable energy companies that you can take advantage of when it comes to household products. Besides the Federal and Local Tax Credits, She will point you in the right direction while you sell back energy to the utility companies, save money every month and save countless resources. You will definitely be enticed by solar and wind energy.
The conversion to solar and wind energy will have a huge planetary affect and the reduction of every ones carbon footprint will be massive. The residential aspect is just the first thing to be conquered. Once everyone is on board there's no telling where renewable energy will take us.
Dream big and dream renewable. Solar powered cell phones, plasma tv's, radio's. It's not far off and it can all start with us as consumers installing solar powered water heaters in their homes. You'll never look at the sun the same way again.
Plentiful hot water for bathing and cleaning is offered by a good hot water heater. You can construct a DIY solar hot water for far less cost.
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January 29 2012 | Home Improvement | No Comments »