"Fred" wrote in message
...
If your house looks perfect from the outside how do you know if it doesn't
have termites feasting on the inside? What other methods to use to locate
termites other than poking around with a screwdriver and visual
inspection? Would a maintenance contract with a pest company be advisable
regardless if there are termites or not or would DIY method be sufficient?

I would not poke around with a screwdriver. Look for mud tunnels leading
from the ground to the structure. Subterranean termites cannot live in
daylight so they build mud tunnels to travel in. In particular look in
areas that have water. Look under sinks and bath tub clean out areas. If
you see any black specks in your sheet rock and the paint is loose that
could be an indicator. Termites will eat the paper between the chalk and
the paint.
Actually Orkin will give you a free inspection but I strongly suggest you
shop the competition if you are infested. Pricing differs widely depending
on the company, time of day, wind chill factor ;~) and several other reasons
to stick it to you. You do not want this to be a DIY job if you are
infested.