TENTING FOR TERMITES? BEWARE OF INTRUDERS

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By Miriam Raftery

 

February 8, 2014 (San Diego)--If you’re planning to tent your house to get rid of termites, you’d better be aware of another unwanted “pest.”

Thieves wearing respirators are breaking into homes that are tented, entering homes filled with toxic chemicals and making off with homeowner’s belongings.

This happened about a week ago to a friend of mine.  Though the latest victim lives in a coastal community, our research found that similar crimes have been occurring across San Diego County for the past several years, including cases in East County and San Diego.

Termite companies may advise homeowners to leave windows open for ventilation.  Some warn residents to take precautions, but others fail to warn homeowners about these brazen crimes.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Jan Caldwell told us that she had her own house tented last October.

“The company told me about this potential issue,” she said, adding, “They recommended I remove valuables and important papers. They also suggested I contact the police department for drive-by checks.”

My friend, who asked that her name not be published, said she had planned to hire a private security guard starting on the second day of tenting,  since the exterminator advised it would be too toxic for thieves on the first day.  But the bad guys  took a risk and broke in on the first night, a dangerous but daring ploy.

The victim had these tips to offer others planning to tent for termites.  “My advice is you take out your firearms, your money and your jewelry.”

Hiring a security guard can be costly, but worth it to prevent being victimized by these persistent pests.  Some homeowners who can’t afford that have opted to camp out in front of their tented houses to keep watch or ask neighbors to keep an eye on the property being fumigated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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