Regularly Scheduled Termite Inspections Can Save You Thousands In Costly Repairs

Regularly Scheduled Termite Inspections Can Save You Thousands in Costly Repairs

It is believed that termites have been around since the days of the dinosaurs, and have been reeking havoc on wooden structures ever since. Termites are social insects and raise their young as a group, and termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

These tiny but highly destructive insects cause billions of dollars of damage each year. Texas, Florida and New Orleans have the largest infestations of the destructive insect. Banks will lower a home’s valuation if, during the assessment, they find out that your home is infested by termites. Serious attention and aggressive measures are needed to catch up with the rapid reproduction of termites.

Termites love to dine on wood, paper (wallpaper, books, cardboard & etc.), soft building materials and some insulating components found in homes and buildings. Termites will also eat certain plants, destroying them. The main advantage that termites have over humans is the ability to survive and thrive for several years undetected. Most homeowners have no idea they are under attack until it is too late.

Once a termite is found inside a home, it is almost certain that there is an infestation that would require pest control treatment. The most obvious signs of termites in a home or other structure are the swarming of winged adult insects. These are actually fully developed termites that are leaving the nest to start new colonies. Another sign of infestation is pencil sized pillars of mud that usually constructed along the foundation, walls or wooden post. It is also important to pay close attention to mud that is protruding from cracks and crevices and the hollow sound of wood when tapped. These are sure signs that termites have taken up residency. 

Early detection and prevention is the key factor needed when dealing with these destructive insects. Although eradication of termites is relatively easy, it can become very expensive if the infestation has reached an alarming capacity. A large infestation would require home fumigation that may also demand the occupants to leave the dwelling for 3-5 days. It is also important to know that do-it-yourself products sold in pesticide supplies shops are rarely effective. This is an extermination that requires the assistance of expert pest control companies. Consider the cost of hiring professional exterminators as an investment in the potential value of your home.

To ensure that termites will not be able to penetrate and cause unimaginable damage to your home, Here are three easy steps to help protect your home from a termite infestation:

1. Do away with storing items in cardboard boxes. Plastic storage containers will pay for themselves in the long run. Remove any unwanted older wooden furniture from an unfinished basement, crawlspace or attic. 

2. Termites flourish in large amounts of moisture. It is critical to make sure you repair leaky pipes and maintain water overflows such as those from hot water heaters and air conditioning units as soon as possible.

3. Closed rooms like the attic and unfinished basements must be cleaned often to make sure that there is no moisture being held up there. You should also have your home inspected by a professional exterminator at least once a year.