Insurance News

Tips for Towing a Boat Trailer to Reduce Accidents and Insurance Claims

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:40:00 GMT

Boat Loaded on a Trailer by dimitrisvetsikas1969

Owning a boat can make weekends and vacations fun and memorable. Follow these tips to help ensure that when you’re towing your boat you’re being as safe as possible to lower the risk of accidents and unwanted insurance claims.

Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Powerful Enough for Towing

Many people underestimate the amount of power they need to tow a boat. It’s actually better to overestimate the power necessary than to fall short. The general rule of thumb is you need at least 15 percent more capacity than the weight of the boat fully loaded plus your trailer.

This gives you a buffer for accelerating during a highway merge, for example, or climbing a steep hill without straining your vehicle’s engine. It also reduces the risk of trailer sway behind your vehicle, which can cause catastrophic accidents.

Invest in a Good Trailer System

Always use the best trailer you can afford, both to protect your boat and to enjoy smooth travel on the road. You want to make sure braking and signaling are integrated with your vehicle, so cars traveling behind your boat know when you’re turning, slowing down, or stopping. Other trailer features are nice, but safety should be paramount when making your selection.

Use Safe Driving Practices Meant for Towing

You can’t drive the way you normally would when towing a boat; instead, you need to use driving techniques meant for towing, such as:

Giving yourself a greater stopping distance to allow for the additional momentum you have with a boat behind you. Don’t tailgate, and slow down if you think you might need to stop soon, such as when you know a yellow light is imminent.
Remember you need more space when changing lanes. Signal first to alert other drivers, and make sure you have room between vehicles for you and your boat. Get in the habit of double checking with your mirrors and performing a shoulder check before you make your final lane change.
Use your directional signals liberally. If you must drive well below the speed limit, use your hazard lights (aka “flashers”) to alert other drivers.
In general, you’ll be going at or below the speed limit, so stay to the center or the right whenever possible, and let other traffic pass you.
Use pull-through parking, so you don’t have to deal with backing up with a boat.

If you don’t have a lot of experience towing a boat, it’s smart to practice in less busy areas before hitting the highway on a packed holiday weekend. Make sure you’re completely comfortable before putting yourself in more high-stress situations. Many areas offer boat trailering classes that are well worth it to give you more tips, practice in controlled environments, and confidence.

Protect Your Car and Your Boat With the Right Insurance

No matter where you’re driving, you want to make sure you’re operating legally and responsibly with the right auto insurance and boat insurance policies in case of an accident. Our independent agents at ISB/Cates Insurance can help you find the right coverage, so you can enjoy your boat knowing your vessel and the vehicle towing it are properly insured. Give us a call at 936-295-5054, or request a quote online at any time.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Home Improvement Projects and Avoid Liability Claims

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:52:00 GMT

Painting Materials Beside a Ladder by Blue Bird

If you’re planning a home improvement project, you probably have many contractors available to choose from. How do you pick the right one that will get the job done safely and without liability issues? Follow these tips.

Get Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

One of the best ways you can find a contractor is to ask friends and neighbors who have done remodels or additions you like. Ask about things like:

Was the contractor punctual and reliable?
Did the project come in on or under budget?
Would they hire the contractor again?

Read Online Reviews

Online reviews are another great resource today for finding contractors. Read reviews carefully, and look at star ratings. One or two disgruntled customers out of hundreds is probably par for the course, but avoid contractors who have lots of bad reviews. Look for critiques such as:

The contractor started the project, but left in the middle to work on another job, extending the completion date beyond the initial agreement.
The job was not completed satisfactorily.
The project went considerably over budget.
The workers arrived late, made a mess in the home, or were rude to clients.
There were safety issues during the project or after its completion (electrical dangers, chemicals or tools left exposed, tripping hazards, etc.).

Hire Experienced Contractors

In general, you want to hire contractors who are more experienced, as they tend to be able to work faster and deal with any unforeseen problems that arise. That also means you want contractors who have done projects similar to yours in the past. If you have a historic home, for example, it may be better to hire someone who has only been in business for a few years, but specializes in historic renovations, rather than going with a 20-year-old firm that has only worked on contemporary homes.

Make Sure Your Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

Your contractor should be licensed as required by law in your region or state. They should also be insured, especially for liabilities. This protects you if someone in your home is hurt while the project is in progress or if there is a safety issue after the job is done. A reputable contractor will happily provide proof of insurance on request.

The contractor’s insurance should cover injuries or damages for which they’re responsible and pay to fix any remaining problems. That way you don’t have to file an insurance claim with your own home insurance. Most states require contracting businesses with multiple employees to have workers' compensation insurance as well, which is intended to help pay for the care of any contractors injured while on the job.

Finally, you can ask your contractor to take out a bond if engaging in a major renovation for you, like an addition, building a second story, or gutting and rebuilding an old property. This can pay you if they do not reasonably adhere to the timeline in your contract, which can have financial repercussions for you. Bonds usually also hold a contractor to certain standards of execution to avoid sloppy work that creates headaches for you years later.

Don’t forget that your homeowner insurance policy should be updated when doing home improvement projects to cover the added value you’ve given the property. Call ISB/Cates Insurance at 936-295-5054 to speak with an independent agent about insurance protection for your home in case of storms, fire, vandalism, or theft. Ready to start a policy now? Contact us or request a homeowner insurance quote to tell us how we can help you.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

How to Winterize and Properly Store Your Boat

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:16:00 GMT

Motorboat by Rafa De

Your boat is an investment that gives you tons of fun all summer long. But come the cold weather months, you want to make sure it’s properly winterized before you store it, so it’s protected from weather and other hazards. Here’s a quick list of steps you should take before storing.

Decide Whether or Not to Remove It From the Water

Your first winterizing step is to decide if you will be taking the boat out of the water or not, assuming you don’t normally keep your boat on a trailer during the summer season. Removing the boat has multiple advantages:

Prevents ice formation around the hull
Reduces corrosion
Keeps it safer during major storms

Get a Boat Cover

When you’re done winterizing, you’ll need a cover for your boat. Decide from one of these options:

Fitted cover
Plastic or canvas tarp
Professional shrink wrapping

Winterize Water Systems

If you have faucets, showers, live wells, and other fixtures on board, they will need to be prepped for winter. Use the proper marine antifreeze for your boat. Remove all water from your water systems and pump them with antifreeze until it comes out the other end. First-timers may have to have someone teach them how to do this.

Take Care of Any Sanitation and AC Systems

Flush your sanitation system (toilet) with fresh water and treat it with antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Similarly, use the manufacturer’s manual to winterize your onboard climate control.

Prep Your Inboard or Outboard Motor

To winterize an outboard motor, follow these steps:

Change the lower-unit oil.
Flush the cooling system with water and drain it completely.
Change the engine oil and filter.
Consider fogging the engine with fogging oil for long layups.

For an inboard motor, do this to winterize it:

Remove the raw water intake hose and treat it thoroughly with pink marine antifreeze.
Change the engine oil and filter.
Fog the engine if it’s going to sit for a long time.
Change the gear lube in the stern drive’s lower unit (if you have a stern drive).

Depending on the particular climate where your boat is and the type of engine you have, you'll have to decide about leaving the fuel tank full or empty (a local pro can give you the best advice here). If you leave it full, be sure to add a fuel stabilizer.

Don’t Forget About Your Battery

Whether your battery is left onboard or removed, it should be attached to a trickle charger for the winter. Be sure to follow the voltage instructions for the specific type of battery you have.

Miscellaneous Final Tasks

You’re almost there! A few last jobs:

Scrub your boat inside and out.
Organize your equipment for the spring.
Do a last check for any standing water.
Remove gear that shouldn’t be left on board (fishing rods, electronics, clothing, etc.).

Now, you’re done. Congratulations! Go grab a hot chocolate and dream about summer, knowing your boat is safe until the weather warms up once again.

Don’t forget to ensure your boat has the right boat insurance coverage, no matter where it’s located or what time of year it is. Call ISB/Cates Insurance at 936-295-5054 to talk to our independent agents about boat insurance today.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

What to Look for When Buying a House to Avoid Unnecessary Insurance Claims

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 20:25:00 GMT

Keys in the door of a new home by PhotoMIX Company

If you’re house hunting, you’re probably looking at many elements like the number of bedrooms or how updated the kitchen is. Don’t forget to check for these things too, which which may help avoid home insurance claims should you become the new owner.

An Aging Roof

Roof problems are one of the most common causes of home insurance claims. Serious roof damage often doesn’t just involve the roof itself; it can cause interior damage, especially from leaking water. You don’t want to purchase a home that has an old or faulty roof without getting an adjustment to the price to cover the cost of replacing it.

Poor Chimney Condition

While you’re having the roof inspected, be sure to have a look at the chimney too. Poor chimney and firebox construction or even a dirty chimney can result in a fire.

Faulty Wiring or an Outdated Electrical Panel

Of course, bad wiring or a faulty electrical panel presents an even greater risk of fire. Signs that an electrician might be needed include:

An old electrical panel (especially a model that has been recalled)
Signs of electrical panel failure, like charring or melting
An electrical panel and circuitry that’s not sufficient for modern electrical demands
Overloaded circuits (too many items on one circuit)
Not enough electrical outlets
No GFI outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms
Flickering lights
Lights or outlet use that constantly trips the circuit breaker
Charring, melting, or loose parts around outlets and switches

Plumbing Problems

Water damage is another common source of home insurance claims. Unless you plan to make major repairs, never buy a house that has plumbing problems. Not only could water damage create an insurance hassle for you or even force you out of your home temporarily, but it could also ruin precious, irreplaceable belongings.

Previous Water Damage

One key to the risk of water damage is signs of previous incidents. Check carefully for mold or mildew in the basement, foundation cracks, standing water outside close to the house, warped floorboards and under-sink spaces, poor sink drainage, and brown spots on the ceiling or upper walls (could also be from a leaky roof).

High Radon Levels

Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas that exists naturally below the earth’s surface. If it seeps into your home, it can cause breathing difficulties or even lung cancer. You can purchase inexpensive radon detection kits to monitor radon levels before making a home purchase.

Liability Risks

Most folks are concerned with their own health when purchasing a home. But they should also think about risks to others, like visiting friends or delivery people. These liabilities could result in a lawsuit if someone is seriously injured:

Loose steps
Tripping hazards
Absent or inadequate handrails
Lack of fencing around a swimming pool
Low, weak, or absent railings around decks and balconies
Poor fencing for dogs in the yard

History of Previous Claims

If possible, do your due diligence and find out if a home’s occupants have filed insurance claims in the past. You might find out that what you thought was your dream home is actually uninsurable. Sellers should disclose insurance claim information, but you also may be able to order a report online.

When you do find the home that’s right for you, you’ll want to be certain to insure it properly. The independent agents at ISB/Cates Insurance offer a wide selection of home insurance options. We can also assist with extra protection like auto insurance, life insurance, and personal umbrella insurance. Contact us at 936-295-5054 to learn more, or request a quote online.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

The Importance of Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Thu, 04 May 2023 15:08:00 GMT

Couple in a convertible by monkeybusinessimages

Your auto insurance is one of the most important elements of your personal insurance portfolio. But some people purchase only the minimum required liability coverage, not realizing they may be leaving themselves open to huge bills for damage to their own vehicles after an accident. Here’s how you can better protect yourself with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

How Claims Usually Work After an Accident

Most states in the U.S. require some type of auto liability insurance to register a vehicle and drive legally. This type of auto insurance can help pay for medical care and damage if another motorist is hurt or their property is damaged.

The insurance of the person at fault in an accident typically covers liability for the other party. Say you miss a stop sign and hit another car. The person in the other vehicle has a minor injuries and significant damage to the side of their minivan. A claim is filed with your insurance carrier, which checks the police report and, after determining that you were indeed at fault, writes a check to the other party in the accident.

Likewise, if another party hits you, and they are at fault, their insurance typically pays for your medical bills, doctors’ appointments, lost work days, and repairs to your vehicle.

What Happens If Someone Without Insurance Hits You?

Insurance works well, like in the scenarios above, when everyone has at least the minimum liability coverage required by their state. However, each state sets its own requirements for mandatory liability coverage, some being higher than others.

If someone without insurance or with a low state requirement hits you and is at fault in an accident, what happens then? Maybe they have no auto insurance at all. Or perhaps they have $25,000 in property damage coverage, but your new $60,000 car is totaled in the accident. How do you make up the difference?

In some cases, you could go to court to sue the other driver for damages. But those cases can go on for months or even years, with no guarantee of a win. If the person you’re suing doesn’t have the money — maybe they’re unemployed, which is why they were driving without insurance — how would they pay a court judgment that awards money to you? How would you cover the replacement of your vehicle, which you need to get to work every day and are still making payments on to your auto lender?

How to Better Protect Yourself with Extra Coverage

There is a solution: uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. While a few states make this mandatory, many make it optional. We suggest it should be an essential part of your auto insurance coverage, precisely for the hypothetical situation described above. Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance can help protect you when the other party has no auto insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your injuries or damages.

Our independent agents at ISB/Cates Insurance will work with you to make sure you have the right protection, between liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Call us at 936-295-5054 today, or request a quote online, and be sure to ask about protection if you’re hit by someone without insurance.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

Who Needs Life Insurance and How Much Do You Need?

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 20:37:00 GMT

Young family by Agung Pandit Wiguna

It’s an unfortunate fact that life expectancy in the US has dropped recently. This has led many people to examine whether or not they should have a life insurance policy and, if so, how much coverage they should have. Here are some basics about life insurance, intended to help you decide whether it’s the right protection for you and your loved ones.

Do I Need Life Insurance?

Life insurance pays out when you die, providing funds for whomever you name as a beneficiary in the policy. Usually, beneficiaries are spouses or partners and children, although they can be anyone who depends on your income financially to survive, like grandchildren or a sibling with a disability.

Would your family’s home be at risk without you there to provide for them? Would your children be able to attend college? If they would be unable to pay for the things they have now or have planned for the future, life insurance is a must. It will give everyone involved peace of mind knowing they will be okay financially even if the worst happens.

How Much Life Insurance Should I Get?

The general rule of thumb is you should provide at least 6-10 times your income with a life insurance policy. However, you may wish to have more than that if you have a large number of dependents, an expensive mortgage, or other expenses that would be hard for your family to meet after your passing.

A substantial life insurance policy can be very difficult and costly to obtain the older you get because the risk of you needing the policy increases with age. Therefore, starting your policy while you’re still young and healthy is best, giving you time to let it grow without it being a financial burden and to minimize the chance that you’ll be turned down for coverage due to poor health or advanced age.

What Are the Different Kinds of Life Insurance?

There are three basic kinds of life insurance:

Term life insurance - coverage for a specific period of time
Whole life insurance - coverage for your entire lifetime
Universal life insurance - a mix of term and whole life with more flexible premiums

It can be challenging to decide what kind of insurance to purchase and exactly how much to get. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced insurance agent and not simply buy any old policy online.

Need help finding the personal insurance coverage that’s right for you? Call ISB/Cates Insurance at 936-295-5054 to get the personalized help you want.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

What to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 22:31:00 GMT

Row of cars by welcomia

With the new car market impacted by shipping delays, many people are choosing to buy used cars lately. And some people only purchase a used vehicle because it saves them money and lets the first owner figure out if it’s a lemon or not (most major problems show up by around 60,000 miles). Here’s a checklist for things you should assess if you’re looking at used cars.

Tires and Brakes

While tires can be replaced, they can run hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Make sure the tires are in good shape with no worn treads or patches; otherwise, this can be a good opportunity to knock some money off the price of the vehicle with your offer.

The brakes should be in excellent working order too. There should be no noise when you apply the brake pedal, and you shouldn’t have to pump the pedal or push hard on it to stop the vehicle. No brake warning lights should be illuminated on the dashboard.

Suspension and Alignment

The vehicle should ride smoothly when you take it for a test drive. Before you get in, check to make sure the car or truck sits level on the pavement. Also, the alignment should be correct, and the vehicle should not pull to one side or the other.

Air Conditioning and Heat

No matter where you drive, you’ll want air conditioning or heat… or both. Don’t forget to turn them on to ensure they’re working properly. Check all the vents, including those in the rear, if there is a separate vent system behind the driver’s seat.

Safety Elements

If certain components are not functioning, driving the vehicle may not be safe, and you can get a traffic citation. This includes:

Headlights, tail lights, and directional signals
Seat belts and airbags
Dashboard lights
Horn
Windshield (no cracks or stars) and wipers

Make certain the door locks and window controls work too.

Accident History and Repair Record

Ideally, you want as many records for the vehicle as you can get your hands on. There are multiple sites online where you can enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it’s been in an accident. The owner’s certificate (pink slip) should not indicate that it’s a salvage vehicle.

If the owner has repair and maintenance records, that’s even better. It’s a good sign if a seller can provide this documentation because it usually shows they have nothing to hide and have been meticulous about the car’s upkeep.

If you’re not sure about a car’s mechanical soundness, take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. It’s well worth the money to save yourself from buying a vehicle that needs too much work.

Miscellaneous Other Items

Depending on the vehicle you’re buying, there are other elements you may wish to check:

Sound system
Luxury electronics like navigation systems, smartphone connections, video players, etc.
Seating (fabric, heating, adjustment controls, etc.)
Trunk or hatchback mechanism
Sunroof or convertible roof
Spare tire and jack
Roof rack, trailer hitch, running boards, etc.
Exterior paint condition

Insurance Quote

Before you buy, it’s wise to get a quote on what it will cost to insure the vehicle, so there are no surprises. And, of course, you'll want to have the vehicle insured before you start driving it if you do decide to purchase it. Most states require liability insurance to register and operate a motor vehicle, plus you probably need collision and comprehensive coverage to be fully protected.

Have you found the used car you want and are ready for an auto insurance policy? Call ISB/Cates Insurance at 936-295-5054 today to make sure you have the protection you need.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

How to Choose the Right Smart Security Camera

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 13:37:00 GMT

Security Camera by ipeema

A security camera can help protect your property against intruders or provide evidence in the event of a break-in. But with all the technology available today, it can be tough to figure out which smart security camera is right for you. Here are four points to consider when you shop for a camera for your home.

24-Hour vs. Motion-Activated Recording

Some cameras run continuously, while others are only triggered to turn on when they detect motion nearby. There are pros and cons to each.

A 24/7 camera won't miss anything, since it's always on, but you’ll have to go through all that footage to find one or two moments if you’re looking for a specific event, such as a trespasser in your yard (though some systems have the ability to find notable events automatically). However, an always-on camera will capture even the slightest movement, which a motion-activated security camera might miss.

A motion-activated camera will be triggered by anything that moves, including pets, wild animals, and tree branches. As a result, you may get some false alarms if you’re receiving notifications that your camera has turned on. However, because it only records movement, this type of camera can store data more efficiently, which is a consideration if you’re using local storage (see below).

Battery Powered vs. Wired

Battery-powered cameras run the risk of having their batteries run out just when you need to capture something, which isn't an issue for cameras that gets their power from a wired connection. Therefore, you have be sure to change the batteries whenever they've been used up. But battery-powered cameras can be more portable than hardwired versions, depending on the model you buy, which can be helpful if you want to make small adjustments to their positioning or take them to another property.

Cloud vs. Local Storage

In the old days, you had to store security camera data on a local device like a video cassette, disc, or DVD. Then came microdisks for smaller and easier storage.

Some cameras still use these tiny discs today, while others have migrated to cloud storage. In general, cloud storage is preferable, as it has fewer size limitations, if any at all, and is more reliable, assuming sending information to the cloud from your camera works properly.

The biggest advantage of cloud storage is you can access the footage anywhere. If you’re on vacation in Europe and want to see your backyard back in the States, you can do so from your mobile phone or tablet.

There are also camera systems that use centralized local storage and allow remote access, but you'll likely pay more for this type of setup.

Price vs. Features

Like other electronics, your security camera will be more expensive the more features it sports. Better image resolution, two-way talk, integrated spotlights, night vision, and smartphone alerts are some of the options that drive up price but may well be worth it to you.

Finally, the cost of a security camera starts rising when you integrate it with other security system components, especially monitoring services from an alarm company. So you may have to crunch the numbers to find your sweet spot between price and features and be willing to sacrifice bells and whistles you don’t really need if budget is the main concern.

Don’t forget to protect your home with the right home insurance policy. Call ISB/Cates Insurance at 936-295-5054 to explore coverage today. Between homeowners insurance and your security camera, you’ll sleep easier knowing you’re fully protected.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

Landscape Maintenance Tips for Your Yard

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 13:31:00 GMT

Backyard landscaping by iriana88w

You've worked hard to create a beautiful garden for your yard, but there is more to yard maintenance than simply mowing the lawn and watering the plants. There are plenty of other tasks you'll need to complete in order to keep your yard looking its best over the years. Here are a few yard-care jobs you may have overlooked.

Trimming Large Trees

Pruning tall trees can be a daunting task, but it is an essential one. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, it needs to be done each year. For most trees, fall is the best time to prune, as the trees will come back even stronger when the weather warms up again in the spring. In addition to keeping the trees as healthy as possible, this will also prevent wayward branches from scratching against the side of your house or top of your roof, potentially causing damage. Be sure to keep them away from power lines as well.

Cleaning Your Gutters

If your home is equipped with gutters, they'll need to be cleaned out periodically. This is especially true if you have large trees on your property, as their leaves can clog up your gutters. When your gutters are full of debris, they can't do their job of directing water away from your house properly. This can lead to water pooling in the gutters, which can cause damage to your eaves and roof over time. You should expect to clean your gutters at least once a year, though you may need to do so more often in heavily wooded areas. Check them a few times a year, and clear them out as needed.

Keeping Plants Away from Your House

When you first planted your bushes or shrubs, they were likely much smaller than they are now. Over time, they can grow and spread, bringing them closer and closer to your house. This can provide homes for rodents and other pests, and eventually, they may try to come inside. Keeping the plants at a safe distance will enable you to see any damage to the structure of your home so you can repair it as quickly as possible.

Keeping Your Yard Clutter-Free

Finally, piles of yard waste, old garden equipment, and other debris can also create homes for pests, so do your best to keep your yard as clean and tidy as possible. After all, you've done a lot of work to keep your plants looking great, and you don't want a bunch of clutter distracting from their beauty!

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com

Simple Household Pest Control Methods

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 14:23:00 GMT

Rodent by Pixabay

No one likes the thought of having pests in their home, whether they be rodents, cockroaches, ants, or any other common household pests. If pest activity is common in your area, it is important to take steps to prevent them from infesting your home. Try these tips to help keep pests at bay over the years.

Seal Off Access Points

The best way to prevent pest infestations is to stop the pests from ever getting inside your house in the first place. To do this, you'll need to ensure there is no way for them to gain access. Check the weather stripping around your doors and windows, and ensure all vents are covered with screens. This includes in the eaves around your roof, as attics are common homes for pests.

Store Food Properly

Pests typically come inside looking for sources of food, so your goal is to make that task as challenging for them as possible. Once you have opened a package of food, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container rather than leaving it in the package. Pantries are the most common areas for pests to look for food, so make sure everything is sealed up tightly. The same goes for pet food. Invest in a storage container or choose pet food that comes in a resealable bag. If possible, keep it inside the house rather than in the garage.

Use Natural Deterrents

Before you resort to chemical pest control substances, try planting some natural pest deterrents, such as mint, basil, and lavender. Your local nursery or garden store can help you select varieties that are appropriate to the climate in your area, so don't be shy about asking. They can also advise you as to how to properly care for the plants to maximize their pest-deterring properties.

Know When to Call in the Professionals

Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with pests in your home. Particularly with wood borers, such as termites and carpenter ants, time is of the essence in getting rid of them to prevent damage. You generally won't be able to get rid of these types of pests on your own, so be sure to call in a pest control expert right away if you suspect you have an infestation. Regular visits from your pest control service can help keep most other common pests away as well, so you may wish to consider investing in an ongoing service if pests are a constant problem in your home.

Read the full article at www.catesinsurance.com