(NewsUSA) - A home is the biggest finan-cial investment most people will make in their lifetime. However, dream homes can quickly turn to nightmares if destructive termites find their way into the structure.

With warmer weather on the way, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns that termite swarmers will be on the hunt for vulnerable homes where they can establish new colonies and inflict costly property damage that is often not covered by homeowners insur-ance. Termites, known as “silent destroy-ers,” feed 24-hours a day, seven days a week on the cellulose found in wood and paper products and cost U.S. homeown-ers about $5 billion each year.

As spring also kicks off the house-buy-ing season, the NPMA encourages all homebuyers to obtain a wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection separate from their home inspection, and all homeowners to have a termite inspection

completed every one to three years. Ac-cording to a recent survey by the NPMA, 52 percent of Americans have never had their homes inspected for termites.

WDO inspectors are specially trained to recognize the often-subtle signs that termites may be present in a home, while the average home inspector will look only at the structural soundness of a building. WDO inspectors are also able to deter-mine if conditions in a home are condu-cive to infestations or if there is evidence of past treatment for termites.

A WDO inspection is a vital part of the home-buying process and always in the buyer’s best interest as any undetected damage from a termite infestation be-comes the buyer’s responsibility after the home is purchased.

Homeowners should also be aware of the following signs of possible termite infestations in their homes:

1. Mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source) on the exterior of the home.

2. Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped.

3. Darkening or blistering of wood structures.

4. Cracked or bubbling paint.

5. Small piles of feces that resemble saw-dust near a termite nest.

6. Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills, indicating swarmers have entered the home.

If you believe you may have a termite infestation, contact a pest management professional immediately. For additional information and prevention tips, visit www.pestworld.org.

BUYER BEWARE: TERMITE INSPECTIONS A NECESSITY FOR SPRING HOUSE HUNTERS

4 MASTER SUITES AND A SALT WATER POOL

4 bed, 5 baths and a home office with plenty of storage throughout. Chef’s dream kitchen with commercial grade appliances. 3 car garage and large driveway. Landscaped front and back. $369,250. Bring your offer and your swimsuit today!

3 BED, 2 BATH IN HOLIDAY SHORES

Adorable home with large living area, laundry room and bonus room! Can be formal dining room or den? The oppor-tunities are endless! Lots of storage and closet space. Come make your offer today! $95,000. Short sale subject to bank approval.

STUNNING OCEAN VIEWS IN DANA POINT, CA

Single family home with 3 bed, 2 bath, gorgeous upgraded kitchen and an attached 2 bed apartment for extra income! Ocean view from both levels of home, underground parking with room for RV! Minutes from Doheny Beach. $1,900,000. Call today!

Nikki Reagan, REALTOR w 702-493-0781 w www.ReaganRealEstate.Net

NEWS

and VIEWSNEIGHBORHOODMAY 2015

David Lipinski is a mobile notary serving Bullhead City, Arizona and surrounding areas throughout Mohave County.

Are you in the process of buying a house, refinancing, or doing a loan modifica-tion? Please tell your lender or escrow company that you’d like to use David’s Bullhead City Mobile Notary Services to perform your loan signing.

As a Notary Signing Agent, David Lip-inski will provide you – and them – with the finest personalized and professional service available. David’s Bullhead City Mobile Notary Services will come to you.

He works by appointment and on your schedule. Give him a call at 928-458-9685 or email him at davidplipinski@gmail.com

The local business spotlight is a monthly column that highlights a local business in the Bullhead City area. If you would like your business to be featured, please call Nikki Reagan at 702-493-0781 email her at nikkireagan@gmail.com Local business article also is published at www.BullheadCityArizona.net

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: MOHAVE MOBILE NOTARY

Most of us fall into the habit of dispos-ing of all of our household items when they’ve broken, expired, or simply are no longer useful. But for environmental and safety reasons, here are five items that need to be disposed of with care:

1. Old batteries: Batteries contain chem-icals like alkaline, zinc, cadmium, and nickel. These chemicals can be hazard-ous if a battery deteriorates, so take your old batteries to a hazardous waste center.

2. CFL lightbulbs: CFL bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs, but they require different care once they burn out, be-cause they contain mercury. Take them to a waste center.

3. Paint: Water-based paint is OK to be thrown in the trash. But oil-based paints can be hazardous. You could take them

to a hazardous waste center, or you could donate the paint—com-munity centers and non-profit organizations are a good start.

4. Electronics: Replacing your computer, or just getting rid of old junk? Instead of throwing your old electronics straight in the dumpster, take them to an e-waste center, or consider donating if the items are still useful.

5. Smoke detectors: Make sure to replace them every 10 years. Ionization smoke detectors actually emit a small amount of radiation, so you should mail them back to the manufacturer.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T TRASH

WHAT A GREAT DEAL!

UNDER $35,000

1 BED/1 BATH $30,000 Completely remodeled on the inside. Long

term tenant, wishes to stay. 1772 Artesia, Bullhead City, AZ

All information was deemed accurate and reliable the date of printing. Properties subject to sale. Call for more information.

Nikki Reagan Cinque Terre Realty

702-493-0781 www.ReaganRealEstate.net

3 BED/2 BATH $25,000 Needs some TLC. Priced to sell!1927 Artesia, Bullhead City, AZ

2 BED/1 BATH $33,000 Completely remodeled inside.

Workshop in the back of property.5675 Rocky Road, Fort MohaveSAVING ANIMALS IN NEED TOGETHER (S.A.I.N.T.)

Meet Jezabel, a 3 year old German Shepherd mix. She is fixed, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. She has been through some obedience training and is available for adoption through SAINTs Saving Lives Adoption Program. For more information on SAINT, or adopt-ing one of the many pets in their care, call 928-704-0800 or visit them online at www.BHCSaint.org.