CAI-NJ June 2017

CODE RED... from page 38.

WHEN IT COMES TO HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE ...

your property. A tenant or employ- ee may report seeing large swarms of what looks like flying ants near a window or other light source. It is not uncommon to find a pile of wings near a light source signifying that a swarm occurred. • Mud Tubes. Your maintenance staff may notice mud tubes in basements, crawl spaces or on the lowest floors of a structure. Mud tubes act like bridges for termites to reach their food source (wood) from the ground. They are typically found on the walls of the lowest floor of a structure and are used to protect the colony as they seek out a food source. How can a property manager avoid termites on their property? • Avoid soil to wood contact. There should be a minimum of six inches between the soil and wood any- where on your property. • Direct water flow away from your property. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are property function- ing, regularly cleaned and pointed away from the building. • Ensure that crawl spaces are encapsulated and humidity levels are controlled. Wood-destroying insects like carpenter ants and termites are attracted to moisture. If you have vented crawl spaces at your property, humidity levels are likely high, which creates an open invitation for termite. Encapsulating crawl spaces and installing com- mercial grade dehumidifiers will rectify the situation.

As community association attorneys, we are committed to providing efficient, sound and distinguished representation to homeowner and condo associations in New Jersey. We pride ourselves on our ability to blend our years of experience with a time-tested understanding of how to get things done .

212 Hooper Avenue Toms River, NJ 08753 800-991-9279 www.bskb-law.com

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