It is estimated that termites cause more than $5 billion in damages annually in the United States. Homeowners who do not identify and treat infestations quickly may face a hefty bill for repairs. Termites are a common pest that can cause significant damage to homes if left unchecked. These tiny insects feed on the cellulose found in wood, which can weaken and eventually destroy the structural integrity of a home. Due to the silent nature of their infestation, termite damage can be costly to repair by the time it is identified.
The Extent of Termite Damage
Termites are a common problem for homeowners and can cause extensive damage to buildings, furniture, and other materials. They feed on wood, but they also eat paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pools. Because of these dangers, it is crucial to understand the extent of termite damage that can occur to protect your home or business adequately.
The amount of destruction caused by termites depends on several factors such as the size of the infestation and the type of termite that has invaded your property.
- Types of Termites: Subterranean termites are notorious for their destructive nature as they consume wood from the inside out leaving behind thin layers that often go undetected until major damage has been done. Drywood termites may be less destructive than subterranean species but still consume wood, causing severe structural problems if left unchecked.
- Length of Time of Infestation: The length of the infestation can have a significant impact on the extent of the damage. Therefore, it is vital to act quickly when any signs of termites are spotted, as early intervention can help prevent severe destruction from occurring over time. The first step to tackling a termite infestation is identifying whether or not you have one in your home. Signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, and swarms of winged insects around windows and doors. If any of these signs are noticed, then it’s best to call an experienced technician for help. A pest professional will be able to assess the situation and determine how long the colony has been active and what needs to be done to eliminate them from the property effectively.
Why is Termite Damage Expensive?
- It’s hard to detect in the early stages: One of the main reasons that termite damage can be so expensive is that it is often only discovered once it is quite advanced. Termites are subterranean creatures that work silently, eating away the wood from the inside, making it difficult to detect until the damage is severe. By the time the infestation is discovered, the termites have already caused extensive damage to the home’s structural integrity. This can lead to costly repairs, such as replacing entire sections of the house or even rebuilding it.
- The type of repair work needed can be pricey: The cost of termite damage is often determined by the extent of the infestation and the type of repair work needed. For instance, if a home has experienced structural damage due to wood rot or other factors caused by termites, it will likely require major structural repairs, which can be very costly. Additionally, termites tend to feed on wood and other cellulose materials like paper and cardboard boxes – all of which must be wholly replaced when damaged by these pests. This can add up quickly if an area of your home has been affected by termites for an extended period.
In conclusion, termite damage can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars if left untreated. Abarb Pest Services is the perfect resource to help identify, control, and eliminate termite damage. Due to their years of experience, they can be sure your home will be protected from destructive termites.
