Yes, termites do exist in Merritt, in some of the most unlikely places. In fact, I had termites in the first home I owned in Merritt; and that opened my eyes to their existence here. Make sure that you know how to identify them and what to do if your home has them.

Most of our termites are the subterranean variety, and they are very destructive. There may be up to two million of them in a colony, all constantly eating. It’s a misconception that ‘brick’ homes are immune. Most ‘brick’ homes in our Merritt area are brick veneer; ie a decorative brick outer layer over a wood-framed structure.

The diet of local termites consists of cellulose, which is found in wood, wallpaper, plastics and fabrics made from plants. Since brick and stucco homes contain these substances, they are susceptible to termites. All the critters need is a point of entry such as a crack in the foundation or a pile of wood stacked against an outside wall which is high enough to contact the siding.They require contact with soil to survive, but they’ll build tunnels to mainatin that contact with a food source.

Fortunately, it’s possible to exterminate termites. But this is not a do-it-yourself proposition, as the chemicals are dangerous if mis-handled. Typically, a toxin is injected into the soil to shield the home. In my case, the company drilled one-inch holes along the perimeter walls of the basement and injected a solution, then they sealed the holes with grouting. This was also done around the perimeter outside. When they finished, I was provided with a 10 year transferable warranty, which I passed on to the folks who bought the home.

I discovered the termites by noticing little mounds and built up tunnels in the furnace room.They had entered through a small crack in this warm spot, and then had the run of the house. That’s why I always look for tell tale signs in the area of the water heater and furnace, but if you are in doubt, call one of the professional firms and they’ll schedule a (usually) free inspection when they are in Merritt.

Some of the things you can do to minimize your risk are: make sure that the soil level is six inches below your siding, keep water away from your foundation, make sure that there are no leaks in your basement/crawlspace plumbing, repair all cracks in the basement slab, remove wood from contact with your siding, and screen all vents to prevent them entering - including attic vents, as termites swarm and fly annually.

Termites are a part of our invironment, and often occur in stumps and logs buried during excavation of a housing site. It is a costly process to rid your home of them, but there should be no long-term stigma as long as you have them dealt with professionally.

Now take a flashlight and check out your furnace room, and basement slab.

Darch Oborne is the associate broker at Merritt’s Century 21 Moving Real Estate. The opinions are not necessarily those of other Century 21 realtors or the Merritt Herald.