We’ve mentioned time and time again how termites are one of the most expensive pests to deal with, causing United States homeowners billions of dollars in damages each year. But how does this massive total apply to the typical single homeowner? We’re breaking just how much damage they actually do.
How Do Termites Damage Your Home?
Subterranean termites feed on the cellulose in wood, so essentially, any materials in your home made with wood are susceptible to termite damage. Worker termites build mud tubes from their colonies, which are located below ground in the soil, and they will infest wooden structures if the opportunity arises. Termites don’t sleep; instead, they eat cellulose 24 hours of the day, 7 days of the week, 365 days of the year, adding up to severe home damage quickly. It’s not uncommon for serious termite infestations to be found years after they’ve begun; these major termite infestations will be far more costly, which is why it’s imperative to have a termite protection system in place before they become a problem.
The Cost of Structural Termite Damage
Termites are extremely dangerous to the structural integrity of a home. Sills in crawl spaces are a common area termites infest and repairing this area alone can equate to hundreds of dollars per foot or more for repairs. Floor joists and structural beams are also two structural components of a home that termites often damage; repair costs for floor joists can be several thousand dollars or more. With termite activity, you won’t know exactly how much damage they’ve caused, or how much it’ll cost to repair, until you already have a problem.
The Cost of Cosmetic Termite Damage
While the structural integrity of your home is of utmost importance, termites can also damage other areas of your home which calls for cosmetic repairs. Often, termites are the culprits behind peeling paint, discoloration in your home’s sheetrock, and buckling floors. Again, these repair costs can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the materials required to repair, but you’re likely looking at repair costs that are at minimum, a few hundred dollars, but potentially into the thousands of dollars range for repairs.
How to Prevent Termite Damage
The easiest way to prevent unwanted termite damages or repair costs is with a termite prevention plan in place from Suburban Exterminating. There are also a few prevention measures that can help prevent problems, including:
- Limiting soil-to-wood contact for structures located on your property
- Reducing moisture levels in your home
- Fixing and/or replacing leaking pipes and fixtures
- Replacing water-damaged wood in your home
- Ensuring your gutters are working correctly and water is flowing away from your home’s foundation
Protect Your Home from Termites
It’s no secret that termites are a constant threat to homeowners. They can be on your property or thriving in your home’s structure without any visible signs of damage at first glance. Whether you have an existing termite infestation or you don’t want to discover one later, the Sentricon Termite System is an excellent, green option for protecting your home from termite damage.
To schedule a free inspection, call (631) 910-6651.
