The myths about termites abound. In a recent survey by the University of Kentucky, 60 percent of people thought termites could take a house down in six months or less. Nothing could be further from the truth, yet con artists use this fear to pressure homeowners into quickly signing on the dotted line for unnecessary work that could be costly.

By arming yourself with a few facts, you'll be able to ask informed questions and avoid a scam.

The most common termite in the United States is the subterranean, of which there are two main kinds: workers and swarmers, or winged termites.

The workers hollow out the wood, while swarmers mate and create new colonies. Termites live underground and burrow through soil until they find wood or wood like products, and water. To get into your house, they'll often build moist, earthen  tunnels across foundations to the home's lower wood structures, a clear sign of infestation. During extreme hot and cold weather, termites will be found below ground where the conditions are more equitable.

Wood that's been damaged by termites is hollowed out along the grain, with bits of dried mud or soil lining the feeding galleries. Be wary of exterminators showing you termites on woodpiles or fences unconnected to your house: This may be a scam. You have a problem only if there's evidence of termites inside the house or close to the foundation.

Bugs flying in the home during the spring are another sign of infestation. These may be flying ants, however. Termites have a full waist, straight antennae, and wings of equal length; ants have elbowed antennae, pinched waists and forewings longer than hind wings.

 There are more than 17,000 pest control companies in the United States, but bigger doesn't always mean better. You want a firm with good recommendations, lots of experience, and a fair price. Question the company carefully and ask that it send an experienced technician. In addition, if an exterminator claims you have termites, he should show you the evidence.

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