Termites might be small, but they can cause serious trouble. These silent destroyers can chew through wood, flooring, and wallpaper, often without being seen. The repair bill could be through the roof by the time you notice signs of damage. That is why you should understand why termites are dangerous and know how to protect your home is so important. Get started with termite control by learning more about these unwanted visitors:
Termites Work Quietly and Quickly
Some pests leave a mess or make noise, but termites can be active for months or years without being noticed. They live underground or inside wood, and out of sight. Plus, they eat nonstop.
Each one of them chews around the clock. You may not see the insects themselves, but they might be slowly hollowing out the wood that supports your floors, walls, and roof.
They Can Weaken Your Home’s Structure
Termites do not just chew on random scraps of wood when they go to work. They often target the wood holding your house together including the beams, joists, and subfloors. This type of damage can seriously weaken the structure of your home over time.
In the worst cases, homes can become unsafe to live in because termites have eaten away at the support beams. You might notice sagging floors, doors don’t close properly, and cracks appear in the walls. A minor termite problem can turn into a major repair job if termites go unnoticed.
Insurance Usually Does Not Cover Termite Damage
Most home insurance policies do not cover termite damage. This is because termite damage is preventable. Insurance companies expect you to take steps to protect your home from pests. This means you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket if termites cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Early Signs Can Be Easy to Miss
You might see a few tiny holes in wood, or some hollow-sounding spots when you tap on a wall. Sometimes people notice water damage or buckling floors and do not realize termites caused them.
The presence of flying termites or discarded wings near windows and doors is another early sign. Swarming termites look to start a new colony. Seeing them means a termite colony is just nearby.
How to Protect Your Property from Termites
Keeping termites out is important to protect your home from the damage they cause. Below are things you can do to keep your home free of these wood-eating pests:
- Keep an eye on moisture. Termites are attracted to damp environments, so you should fix leaky pipes, clean gutters, and keep the soil around your home dry. Avoid letting water pool near your foundation.
- Store firewood, lumber, or cardboard away from your house. These materials are termite food. Keeping them near home will draw termites in. It will not take long for these unwelcome guests to start damaging your home’s wooden structures.
- Seal up cracks. Make sure your home’s foundation and around utility lines do not have cracks and gaps that termites can use as entry points. Seal these openings with appropriate materials.
- Get a professional termite inspection. Pest control professionals know what to look for and can spot signs that the average homeowner might miss. They can also apply treatments that prevent termites from ever entering your home.
Termites may be out of sight, but they should not be out of mind. Being aware of how dangerous they are and taking simple steps to keep them away can protect your home and your wallet.
