July 2004

Common Area Landscaping

All proposed changes to common area landscaping must be approved by the Board of Directors in writing prior to implementation. Homeowners need to submit the proposed changes to the Landscape Committee for consideration. The Committee will then forward the proposed changes with their recommendation to the Board of Directors for approval or disapproval. Failure to comply will result in removal of the landscaping addition or change at the homeowner's expense. Restoration costs of the common area will also be charged to the homeowners.

Be Aware

It seems that every other month or so an individual exiting the pool area uses their key to force the gate open. Pushing on the key when it is in the lock quite often throws the tumblers out of alignment. In addition to the person being locked in the pool area, the situation will necessitate a visit from the locksmith. That's money that could be better spent in other areas. Please be careful!

A Clubhouse Challenge

Recently a homeowner rented the clubhouse that was to be used by a family member. The responsible owner met with the clubhouse manager and thought they learned what they needed to know. That briefed owner was not present, however, and the family member at the party either did not know or didn't care that use of the pool does not go with the rental. As a consequence, guests used the pool and tracked chlorine over the carpet. The family member pleaded ignorance but it doesn't absolve the homeowner of responsibility for damage to the carpet - if there is any. Please do not put yourself in this situation. The rental rules and other important facts are included in your Homeowners Rules and Regulations as well as the Clubhouse Rental Agreement. Please refresh your memory occasionally by reviewing these.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

The July homeowner's meeting is on Wednesday, July 14th at 6:00 p.m. All homeowners are invited to attend.

Termites

Worker

Soldier

Swarmer

Detection of Termites

It is important for homeowners to recognize the signs of a subterranean termite infestation. Subterranean termites may be detected by the sudden emergence of winged termites, or by the presence of mud tubes and wood damage.

Winged Termites

Large numbers of winged termites swarming from wood or the soil often are the first obvious sign of a nearby termite colony. Swarming occurs in mature colonies that typically contain at least several thousand termites. The presence of winged termites or their shed wings inside a home should be a warning of a termite infestation. Watch out for this!

Mud Tubes

Other signs of termite presence include mud tubes and mud protruding from cracks between boards and beams. Subterranean termites transport soil and water above ground to construct earthen runways (shelter tubes) that allow them to tunnel across exposed areas to reach wood. Shelter tubes protect them from the drying effects of air and from natural enemies, such as ants. These tubes usually are about 1/4 to 1 inch wide, and termites use them as passageways between the soil and wood. To determine if an infestation is active, shelter tubes should be broken or scraped away and then monitored to determine whether the termites repair them or construct new ones. Houses should be inspected annually for mud tubes.

Wood Damage

Termite damage to the wood's surface often is not evident because termites excavate galleries within materials as they feed. Wood attacked by subterranean termites generally has a honeycombed appearance because they feed along the grain on the softer spring growth wood. Their excavations in wood are often packed with soil, and fecal spotting is evident. Subterranean termites do not reduce wood to a powdery mass, and they do not create wood particles or pellets, as do many other wood-boring insects.

Prevention

Prevention of subterranean termite infestation of wooden structures centers upon disrupting their ability to locate moisture, food (wood), and shelter. Avoid moisture accumulation near the foundation that provides water needed for termite survival. Divert water away from the foundation with properly functioning gutters. Soil needs to be graded or sloped away from the foundation in order for surface water to drain away from the building.

Cellulose (wood, mulch, paper, etc.) that is in contact with soil provides termites with ready and unobservable access to food. It is very important to eliminate any contact between the wooden parts of the house foundation and the soil. Maintain at least 6 inches between the soil and porch steps, latticework, door or window frames, etc. Never stack or store firewood, lumber, newspapers, or other wood products against the foundation. Prevent trellises, vines, etc. from touching the house. Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building. Avoid or minimize use of wood mulch next to the foundation.

Control Measures

Termites feed slowly so there is no need to panic if they are discovered in one's home. A few weeks may be needed to decide on a course of treatment, which typically requires employing a professional pest management firm. Homeowners seldom have the experience, availability of pesticides, or equipment needed to perform the job effectively. Contact Preferred Property Management if you think you have a termite problem.

Truths Children Have Learned

• No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
• When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
• You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
• You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
• Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a Tic-Tac.

Property Manager

Preferred Property Managers

Kathy Michaels, Property Manager
8963 Complex Drive, Suite B,
San Diego, CA 92123-1416
vox 858-569-8773
fax 858-569-8782