When you own a home, there are tons of problems that could cost you money. Your roof could leak, your heating system could fail in winter or your water heater could suddenly break down. But if there’s one problem you really don’t want to encounter, it’s termite damage. Here we will check for signs of termites in your home, discuss the termite inspection process, and explain what you can do to prevent termites from damaging your property.
What are termites?
Termites are insects that feed on wood and can be cream, brown, or black. There are several types of termites you might encounter:
- Subterranean termites that live in an underground colony. These termites build mud tubes – small pieces of earth and wood that resemble crusted, dried dirt – to access food, and they are the most destructive species of termites in the United States
- Dampwood termites, which infest wood with a high moisture content. These termites are larger than most other termite species.
- Dry wood termites that infest areas with dry or dead wood.
Since termites are generally clear in color, they can be difficult to spot if you are not trained to look for them. Although sometimes confused with carpenter ants, they can do a lot more damage in a much shorter amount of time. In fact, many people who call a termite inspector do so not because they saw insects in their home, but because they saw the damage termites can cause.
Signs of termite activity in your home
Termites can live on your property for a long time without your being the wiser. Here are some termite signs to watch out for:
- Damaged, rotten wood or wood with visible holes.
- Wrinkles in your hardwood floors.
- Wood that sounds hollow or creates an echo when knocked.
- Discolored drywall.
- Chipped or bubbly paint that may be similar to water damage.
- Loose floors.
- Squeaky floorboards.
- Mud hoses along the foundation of your home.
- Clusters of termite wings near entry points such as doors and windows.
If you notice any of these signs in your home, it’s worth calling a termite killer right away.
What to expect from a termite inspection
There are a number of pest control services that will scan your home for termites and offer treatments to help alleviate the problem. It’s important to prepare for a termite inspection by removing items from walls in cluttered or storage areas such as garages and attics. It also helps to remove any items that you keep under sinks.
Your termite inspector will then examine your home for:
- Termite droppings or mud tubes.
- Damaged or hollow wood.
- Cracks in your foundation or other damage to the structure of your home.
- Termite access points, including door frames, deck or porch supports, or unshielded roof vents.
You should then receive a termite inspection report that summarizes your inspector’s findings. This report should include recommendations for the protection and treatment of termites.
How to treat termites and termite damage
There are several treatments that an exterminator can use to rid your home of termites and the damage they can cause:
- Bait stations can be strategically placed throughout your home to attract termites. These products usually contain pesticides that poison termites and cause colonies to die out.
- Termite insecticides can be sprayed along the perimeter of your home and on your floor. This prevents termites from entering.
- Structural fumigation, which involves camping the house and then releasing a fumigant through the house. This is generally used for dry wood termites and the whole process takes several days.
Now you may fear that these termite treatments could pose a threat to you and your family, but when used correctly, baits and insecticides can be pretty safe. However, for this reason, it is worth consulting a professional in treating termites rather than trying to address the problem yourself.
Of course, these methods can help address your termite problem, but they won’t fix any structural damage caused by them. Be ready to hire a contractor who can carry out repairs such as foundation cracks or replacing floors.
How to prevent termites
In addition to alleviating an existing termite problem, it is important that you prevent these insects from returning. To do this, you can:
- Repair water leaks to keep the soil near your home dry, which will keep termites out.
- Use termite-resistant wood for structures like decks and porches.
- Cover openings outside your home, such as vents, with steel mesh to keep termites out.
- Point sprinkler heads move away from the foundation of your home to prevent moisture build-up.
What does a termite inspection and treatment cost?
The amount you spend to get rid of a termite problem depends on a number of factors:
- The size of your property.
- The severity of your termite problem.
- The number of treatments required to get rid of these pesky insects.
HomeAdvisor (NASDAQ: ANGI) reports that homeowners pay an average of $ 557 for termite control services. However, on a larger property with significant infestation, a much higher number could be considered. It pays to seek quotes from various pest control companies to make sure you are spending a fair amount. Also, before hiring an exterminator, ask what happens if the initial treatment efforts don’t work. Do you have to pay for repeat treatment a few months later or are you eligible for this free follow-up service?
Of course, the amount you spend repairing termite damage is a different story. Unfortunately, there you could consider thousands of dollars to mend the destruction these insects have already caused.
Termites are all over the US, and often homeowners don’t know they have a problem until it’s too late. If you want to reduce the risk of this, consider an annual termite inspection, even if you don’t see any signs of termite activity or damage. In fact, it’s worth hiring a pest control service that will examine not only termites but other destructive insects that could damage your property. It is even recommended that you secure a termite bond shortly after or before your purchase. Staying one step ahead of a potential problem can save you a world of money and stress.
Termites aren’t the only pests that can cause problems. For more information, see the following manuals:
