Not Knowing the Odds Facing Them This Swarm Season, Homeowners Can Gamble With Damage to Their Homes.

Consumer Editors/Home & Garden Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2000

New Orkin Survey Reveals Homeowners Unaware of Termites' True

Threat

Fire strikes alarm in the minds of most Americans when it comes to protecting their homes, according to a new study by Orkin Pest Control. But the damage caused by termites is a far more serious threat that homeowners need to consider - and guard against - with the arrival of this year's termite swarms.

The national survey commissioned in February by Orkin asked homeowners to identify what they perceive as the top threat to the value of their home. Findings revealed that only 14 percent of homeowners said they believe termite infestation to be the No. 1 danger, but more than three times as many respondents (43 percent) rated fire as the top hazard.

One study conducted on the economic impact of termites suggests that termites strike over five times as many homes each year as do fires. According to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) probability analysis, during the life of a 30-year mortgage, a home only has a one-percent chance of fire. Termites cost Americans approximately $1.7 billion in damages each year.

However, homeowners can insure their homes against fire, theft and catastrophes, such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes; but typical homeowner's insurance does not cover the threat of termites.

"A home is typically the most substantial investment of a person's lifetime," said Harlan Feese, vice president, technical services at Orkin Pest Control. "As warm spring temperatures spread over various regions each year, people need to remember to be on the lookout for these pests and understand what preventive measures can deter infestation."

Not surprisingly, the majority of respondents who correctly identified the threat of termite damage came from Southern U.S. regions - the heaviest termite infestation zones. Residents of Western and Northeast states followed. The majority of respondents who did not rate high the threat of termites live in the colder, North Central region of the country. But no matter where homeowners live in the United States, they risk termite infestation. The advent of centrally heated homes has made it possible for termites to become a threat in virtually every region and state -- especially hot and humid climates.

Why such a risk? On average, 13 to 14 subterranean termite colonies can exist on one acre. So a typical home on a half or one-third lot could sustain three to four colonies under or around it. As many as one million subterranean termites can inhabit a colony. If infestation occurs, homeowners can face repairs and problems that compromise the home's foundation. If ignored, termites also can threaten the structural integrity of a home by eating away at wood beams and other cellulose products from the inside. Many homeowners feel protected by concrete slabs and steel frames, but termites only need a crack 1/64th of an inch to gain entrance to a home. (Survey findings are based on a national telephone survey of 1,000 homeowners conducted by International Communications Research of Media, Pa., February 23-27, 2000. Margin of error is 2.8 percent.)

With the onset of termite season, Orkin has unveiled its 2000 Termite Top Ten - the ten worst termite-infested cities in the United States. For the growing numbers of homeowners in these metropolitan areas, many have been dealt an unfavorable hand that could result in property destruction due to termite damage.

                         2000 Termite Top Ten

City             2000 Ranking      1999 Ranking

Miami                  1               1
Los Angeles            2               2
Tampa                  3               3
San Francisco          4               8
Orlando                5               5
Dallas                 6               6
Atlanta                7               9
New Orleans            8               new
Norfolk                9               4
Washington, DC         10              new

--Rankings based on 1999 sales figures.

For more information about termites, Orkin Pest Control offers homeowners a free video featuring a complete list of termite warning signs and prevention tips. The video, "What You Should Know About Termites," and a new brochure, "Tips On Helping Keep Termites Away," are available by calling 1-800-563-HOUSE or by visiting the "Ask Orkin" Web site at www.orkin.com.

Atlanta-based Orkin Pest Control is a leading provider of pest and termite control services throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1901, the company has more than 400 branches nationwide serving 1.6 million customers. Orkin Pest Control is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc., which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ROL).