THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 7, 1996 TAG: 9607040228
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: 85 lines
Because of a double threat to Tidewater residents, termite inspector Steven E. Morgan has offered up some helpful suggestions.
One is about termite infestation.
``I guess God made termites to eat dead trees in the woods,'' Morgan said.
As timber is cut to make way for ongoing construction all over Chesapeake, the hungry critters seek out dead wood in buildings.
But in Morgan's opinion, the false claims of scam artists in regard to the pesky insects pose an equal threat to unsuspecting residents.
A Smithfield couple was the unfortunate recipient of one such claim.
The couple was encouraged to purchase a yearlong termite protection policy at a cost of $80, Morgan said.
Although the representative wore an identification patch on his shirt, his claims were not legitimate.
``We treated the home of a woman who had bought his policy,'' Morgan said. ``A short time later she found termites on her property, but the business (from which she had bought protection) could not be found.''
According to Morgan, it is always wise to check out a company by asking for references and making a call to the Better Business Bureau. The company should be well-established and should be insured. It's also a good idea for homeowners to check their own homes for termite and moisture damage. Moist wood is more susceptible to wood-eating bugs.
``Or if you have a termite inspection (by a professional), put your coveralls on, go under the house and ask the inspector to show you the termites,'' he added.
Morgan says that many callers report flying termites. But a property check often uncovers flying ants.
So it's important to know the difference between the two.
Flying ants have three body segments. The wings of the ant are about as long as the body. The termite's body has only one section with wings nearly twice the length of the body, he said.
``If you have swarming termites, you will know because they shed their wings almost immediately,'' he said.
Other false claims have to do with moisture. Check out the cause of damage by peeling the wood open. If white insects are inside, 99.9 percent of the time termites are present, Morgan said.
In areas where wood is damaged, it is wise to look for a trail of dirt often left by termites. In fact, walk around the exterior of the house looking for the mud tubes.
``Rub the tube to see if termites are going through it,'' he said.
Up next to a house, it's better not to use wood mulch, he said, because mulch prevents air circulation. If mulch is used, it should be cedar.
Landscape timbers and fireplace logs should also be kept away from the house.
Full name: Steven E. Morgan
Hometown: ``I was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., but I grew up in Chesapeake.''
Fond childhood memories: ``Playing baseball in the Aragona/Pembroke league in Virginia Beach.''
Spouse: Elina
Children: Charles, Michael and Joshua
Occupation: Termite inspector for United Pest Control
Hobbies: ``I enjoy coaching my son's (Indian River Recreation Center) baseball team. I'm really a family man. I just enjoy sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee.''
What's your favorite game? Football for watching
Describe yourself as a color: ``Green. I'm kind of moderate, not too wild and family oriented.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``An eagle because they are powerful and beautiful.''
What irritates you the most? ``Poor customer service. When waiters do not warm my coffee. But if they come back three times, they'll get a good tip.''
Favorite type of music: Country
Favorite movie: ``Star Wars'' and ``The Good, the Bad and the Ugly''
Can't resist: ``A cup of coffee and a walk on the beach with my wife.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Quit chewing my nails.
Favorite TV program: ``3rd Rock From the Sun''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``Pancakes N Things. I'm a breakfast person.''
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Raking leaves in the back yard just when the sun is going down, then burning the leaves.''
What would you choose for a last meal? My wife's spaghetti ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY by CNB