Protect Yourself Against Termite Damage
Termites cost over $5 billion in property damage each year. That is more destruction than tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes combined.
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the home, yet their behavior is predictable. They are drawn to wetness and dampness and flourish in hot temperatures. A termite infestation may necessitate the services of a professional exterminator as well as some rebuilding, and being proactive about termite management will assist you in protecting your house from termite damage.
Termites cause damage to what parts of the house?
Termites cause structural damage to homes by consuming wooden support beams, floor joists, and other organic fibers. They can consume drywall or plastics, although it isn’t a substantial part of their diet. Because damage normally occurs from the ground up, and termites flourish in damp, out-of-the-way places, basements and crawl spaces are the most popular regions for termite inspections.
Termites have wreaked havoc on the following interior areas:
-Wood materials, such as structural beams in a crawl area or basement.
-Termites can also harm window frames in the basement.
-Termites can also destroy items made of paper, fiberboard, and cloth.
The following sites should be checked for termites outside:
-Exterior wood products, such as siding, skirting, and wooden doors on a house.
-Termites are attracted to tree stumps or wood heaps left near dwellings.
Termites: How Much Damage Do They Cause?
Termites wreak so much destruction because of their ability to go undetected. Many homeowners are only aware of a termite infestation after a colony has been destroying their houses for years.
Termites are a threat in every state except Alaska, and termites destroy over 600,000 houses each year. Repairing termite damage costs a homeowner roughly $3,000 on average. However, termite infestations can be so widespread that they have an impact on the selling value of your property. Homes with termite infestations might sell for 20% less.
Early detection is critical for reducing termite damage.
Termites will not go away on their own, and the sooner you detect a termite infestation, the less harm you may suffer. Keep in mind that termites might be present:
-Crawl areas
-Walls
-Floorboards
-Beams
-Other wood products
Listen for hollow-sounding wood when tapped to detect termites within your home before severe damage occurs. Termites may be digging inside and forming hollow chambers if it sounds hollow. If you suspect termite damage, you should examine further by looking for termite tunnels or uncovering inside damage with a screwdriver.
Visible mud tubes are another sign of a termite infestation. These are formed when insects develop a passage from the foundation of the house up the wall. Termite activity may also be indicated by brown or gray insect droppings.
If you find winged termites within your house, whether living or dead, this is a sign of a bigger infestation. If you suspect termites within your house, call a professional exterminator right once.
Your home’s structure can help protect against termites.
Protecting your property against pests, including termites, is significantly less expensive than repairing a problem after it has occurred.
Installing crawl space encapsulation or basement wall systems is an important strategy to reduce termite damage. This can operate as a physical barrier, making it more difficult for termites to enter. Furthermore, when termiticide-integrated materials are utilized, pests will die if they try to eat through your barrier. Professional installers are also aware of the importance of leaving a termite inspection gap to allow for simple detection of any issues.
Schedule an annual pest inspection from termite professionals, as well as regular maintenance checks for your waterproofing and encapsulating systems, to keep ahead of pest problems.
While our house may be infested with termites, we must also inspect our home’s foundation. The largest core of our homes is the foundation. Prevent foundation deterioration by arranging a Foundation Inspection Near Me West Hollywood and repair service from RLM Retrofit Foundation. Call us right now at (800) 824-6699.