When you notice a termite infestation near your home, you want to take a proactive approach and get it treated as quickly as possible. While you may underestimate the damage termites can do in a short period of time, waiting can result in costly repairs and major headaches.
In this article, the exterminators at Stomp Pest Control are outlining how you can take preventative measures to prevent termites from nesting in your home. That’s why we’re sharing these 8 reasons why you want to treat a termite infestation now and how Stomp Pest Control can play a vital role in ensuring your home is properly treated.
What Causes a Termite Infestation?
Before we treat a termite infestation, we like to assess how the termites arrived there in the first place so we can advise you on how to discourage them from coming back. From removing moisture away from your home to ensuring your home is tightly insulated, there are simple things you can do to help keep termites off of your property. Let’s dive into those reasons now. A termite infestation in or around your home may be caused by the following:
Moisture
Moisture is one of the main aspects that attracts termites. While you can’t stop the rain, you should ensure your outdoor belongings are stored away when they’re not in use. For example, don’t allow plywood or firewood to sit stagnant outside. This may roll out the welcome mat for termites in your home.
Wood Near House Foundations
Termites will feed on wood that is in contact with foundations. To that end, keep any wood at least 18 inches away from the exterior walls of your home to further prevent termites.
Cracks in Building Exteriors
Cracks in your home’s exterior are entranceways for termites. Termites can enter your home through unsealed windows and doorways before working their way through the rest of your home’s structure. You can prevent this from happening by having your window seals repaired or replaced.
8 Reasons Why You Want to Treat a Termite Infestation
No matter what caused the termite infestation in your home, you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Here are 8 reasons why you want to take immediate action:
Termites Can Make Your Home Uninhabitable
Termites can chew right through the wood in your home, making it uninhabitable. They can chew so extensively that your home’s structure will weak to the point where it is unsafe to live in. Structural damage can cost thousands of dollars and put you in a bad financial spot. By getting your termite infestation taken care of right away, you can protect the structural integrity of your home and prevent the structure from rotting.
Your Doors and Windows Can Jam
Termites can create small networks of mud tunnels inside your windows and doors. This will lead them to warp over time, making it difficult to open and close them. When this happens, your home is vulnerable to intruders, not to mention an annoyance because you won’t be able to open or close your windows and doors properly.
Your Home May Smell
It’s no secret that termites like areas with moisture and standing water. When moisture and termites mix it can lead to a foul smell that you don’t want in your home. You may also notice a discoloration that is a result of the water and termites as well. These are problems that are unpleasant and costly to repair.
Selling Your Home Can Be a Challenge
Sellers are typically responsible for covering the costs of termite damage. This can also include the cost of termite inspection. Unless you sell your property “as-is”, expect to pay when it comes to termite damage.
Your Insurance May Not Cover the Infestation
Even if you have homeowner’s insurance, it may not cover the cost of repairs due to a termite infestation. Many policies don’t cover termite damage repair because it is very common and expensive. Carefully read your policy to see what is and is not included so you won’t be hit with any surprises.
Your Entire Home is Vulnerable
Termites are not picky when it comes to damaging your home. In other words, they don’t discriminate when it comes to eating wood or other structures that resemble wood. Interestingly enough, termites will devour anything with cellulose which includes your cabinets, floors, and stairs. The longer you wait to treat your termite infestation, the bigger problems you’ll face.
Your Floors Will Suffer
If you don’t take care of a termite infestation quickly, your floors may begin to sag due to wood rot beneath. This can lead to unevenness, discomfort, and an unstable floor that isn’t safe to walk on. Other signs that termites are eating at the structure beneath your floors include bubbles and blistering up underneath the floorboards that lead to unsightly pockets of air. Not only is floor damage dangerous, but it is expensive to repair.
Tree Damage
While most termites prefer dead, moist wood, some digest regular wood and will feast on living trees. Left untreated, a termite infestation in a tree can spread to your property. It can also impact the structural stability of the tree. Of course, when left untreated the tree will rot and may fall on your home in due time. To keep your roof intact and avoid expensive roof repairs, have the tree removed from your property.
FAQ About Termite Infestations
How do you recognize termites?
Termite swarms are most visible in the early spring, but they can occur at various times of the year. When you notice a termite swarm, it’s a good indication that there is an infestation. Other signs of a termite infestation include:
- Soft wood in the home
- Mud tubes on the exterior of your home
- Darkening of wood structures.
- A faint clicking sound in your walls
- Drooping drywall or pinpoint holes in your drywall
- Peeling paint that looks like water damage
- Buckling wooden floorboards
- Discarded wings
- Termite droppings
How much damage can termites cause?
Termites eat wood 24/7, so they can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time. The cost of damage can be very expensive, as we stated earlier via structural damage to your home.
How do you control termites?
The good news is that you can control termites and discourage them from returning! But, you can’t tackle this alone. You’ll want to hire a licensed pest control professional to control termites in your home. This way you can get rid of the infestation and prevent future unwanted guests.
Do You Need to Get Rid of a Termite Infestation?
If you need to get rid of a termite infestation in your home, call the professionals at Stomp Pest Control. We have the experience you want when it comes to getting rid of termites in your Raleigh home. Call us today at (919) 231-3292 or fill out the form below to request an appointment.
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