Seeking Termites? Seek An Exterminator
Seeking Termites? Seek An Exterminator
If you think that you may have termites, it is important that you enlist the help of trusted exterminators as soon as possible. According to OneDesk, termites cause damage to about 600,000 houses each year in America alone. These voracious wood-eating pests are greedy and can do a lot of damage in a short period of time. Here is why it is critical that you reach out to local exterminators that manage termite control as soon as you notice an infestation.
The Signs of a Termite Problem
If you see termites around your property, you likely already have hidden damage in your home from termites. Even if you haven't seen the termites themselves, they leave tell-tale signs of their presence. If you've seen any of the following signs of an infestation, you need to call exterminators to manage the termite problem:
- Mud Tubes: Some termites will build mud tubes in the ground around your home where they nest. If you notice mud tubes, you need exterminators.
- Small Piles of Wings: Subterranean termites will emerge in spring to swarm and shed their wings. If this has happened on your property, you'll likely find small piles of wings around the foundation of your home. This is proof of swarming and indicates that you need professional extermination services to protect your home from insect damage.
In addition to those primary signs of an infestation, you may notice other small indications of termites in your home. For example, you may notice some small spots of paint damage around windowsills that look like something drilled into it. You may also notice spots around door frames that look like drill marks. There are significant consequences of taking a wait-and-see approach if you notice any signs of a termite infestation.
The Consequences of Waiting
Termites can consume a lot of wood very quickly. Let's break down exactly how much wood a termite colony can eat in a single day. According to the Journal of Economic Entomology, on average, a small termite colony consists of 60,000 members. Each member can consume 1/5 of an ounce of wood per day.
However, the journal also states that larger colonies can have millions of members with 300,000 or more workers. Large colonies can eat through a six-foot-long 2x4 in just 48 hours. It takes smaller colonies longer to eat through that much wood. However, in most cases, several smaller colonies will infect your property simultaneously.
Even with a small colony infestation, your home can sustain significant structural and aesthetic damage within a matter of months. Termites favor wood window frames, door frames, and wood framing materials. They can cause structural damage to your home in record time.
Termite damage has a snowball effect. When wood framing is damaged, moisture can get into your home. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments. Of course, damaged wood can cause drafts and run up energy bills. Gaps in the wood allow other pests to enter your home. All of this could be caused by termite damage.
The Tip of the Iceberg
If you notice small holes in the wood around your home, don't brush off the problem based on the size of the visible damage. The small points of surface damage that you can see are often the tip of the iceberg. Typically, there's more damage below the surface.
When the damage is noticeable, the termites have been at work for a while. Most homeowners are unaware that the largest part of the damage to their homes is below the surface. Some missing paint, a small hole, and some sawdust on the window sill may not alarm you, but they should. There's more going on than meets the eye. Exterminators are the experts that can reveal the underlying damage done by termites.
The Damage Termites Cause to Brick Structures
What if your home is constructed mostly of brick and masonry work, and you spot termites? Should you worry? Many homeowners find out the hard way that having a home built from brick and masonry work does not exclude your property from the threat of termites.
Every structure has wood somewhere in it. It may be in your roof trusses, floor joists, window framing, or door framing. Unless your home was designed to be a termite-proof building, there are wood structures in your home that termites can get to. Somewhere in your home is wood that the termites can seek out and infest.
You may be at risk for larger amounts of damage because if you live in a brick home, you may ignore the threat of termites. You may be lulled into a false sense of security, thinking your home is impervious to termites. No matter your home's construction, you must call exterminators when you see any termite activity.
The Cost of Termite Damage Repair
Termite damage repair can be very costly. According to Angi, a homeowner will pay between $1000 and $3000 for repairs after a termite infestation. Preventing damage is a much better option than calling contractors for home repairs.
One of the key ways to reduce the cost of repairs is to call exterminators to treat the problem as soon as possible. The longer you wait to take action and call the exterminators, the more extensive and expensive the repairs will be.
Acting quickly to get the termite treatment you need from a professional exterminator will stop the problem in its tracks and ensure no further damage occurs. Acting fast when you have a termite problem is the best way to save on costs in the long run.
The Value of Professional Termite Control
Termites are not easily eradicated. DIY termite solutions often don't work. It takes a professional with experience, the right tools, and the right treatments to get rid of termites once and for all. Exterminators that offer termite treatment services know where termites live and breed. They know how to approach the problem and get the best results. DIY termite control can be an ineffective method that winds up costing you more in the long run.
The Best Way to Prevent Termite Damage
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to protecting your home from termite damage. Our local exterminators offer termite protection plans that include annual inspections and necessary treatments. A good prevention program with periodic inspections can prevent termite infestations and catch them before they cause significant damage to your property.
Taking the threat of termite infestation seriously is necessary to protect your home investment. Being proactive will provide peace of mind and ensure your home is safe. If you're interested in a termite protection plan, give us a call.
The Bottom Line
A termite problem will not fix itself. Once you see a termite hanging around your home, you can almost guarantee that thousands are nearby waiting for a meal. Termites are prolific and multiply quickly. They will dig in and continue to thrive until you take steps to manage the problem.
Don't wait to get the help that you need. If you have seen signs of termite activity, call exterminators who can put an end to the problem. Whether you're interested in a termite protection plan or you just need termite removal services, reach out to our local team at Mares Exterminating. Let's work together to protect your property from these voracious pests.
