If you have had termites before, you may feel a pit in your stomach at the very mention of this voracious insect.

That’s because termites cause a whopping $5 billion in damage to U.S. homes each year – more than the combined damage from earthquakes, tornados and fires.

With figures like that, it seems confounding that so few homeowners schedule regular termite inspections. Our staff likens termite inspections to going to the doctor – it slips your mind and you tend to go only when you notice something is wrong.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Termites feed on wood materials and thrive in moist environments. Homeowners with brick or sided homes often fall complacent to termites, not realizing that their foundations are made of wood – or that infestations of other structures like sheds and garages can lead to infestations in the home.

Often, keeping termites at bay begins with ensuring that your home and its surroundings are inhospitable to these pests. This includes:

• Repairing leaks to prevent added moisture around your home
• Keeping mulch and firewood away from your home’s foundation
• Avoiding direct wood-to-ground contact when building a porch or deck
• Removing tree stumps and other debris from your yard
• Keeping siding, brick or foam insulation above the soil grade

In addition to taking common sense measures around your property, we also recommend having your home inspected for termites once a year. Termites tend to be active where you can’t see them, leading homeowners to discover a problem only when considerable damage becomes evident. Our year-round Protection Plus plan includes a free annual interior and exterior termite inspection (and covers 31 other pests like ants, cockroaches, bees and rodents).

When it comes to termites, think of prevention like a physical: Get checked once a year. With once annual inspections, your home will likely maintain its clean bill of health for years to come.