The Real Facts About Termite Damage

Do you think you need termite protection? I've compiled this list of facts about termite damage that may startle you. I didn't do it to scare you, but to inform you.

First, let's discuss what type of damage can termites do and how you can discover them before it's too late.

Most homeowners spend 20-40 years paying off their home. The last thing you want to do is get 10 years into a home mortgage and find that termites have been silently eating your home.

Signs of Termite Damage

Some termite damage is easy to spot, while other signs are more subtle.

One of the most obvious signs of termite damage is the presence of termites themselves.

If you see termites crawling around on your property, it's a good indication that they've already done some damage.

Another telltale sign of termite damage is the presence of mud tubes. These are small tubes made out of termite saliva and excrement, and they're used to transport termites from their underground nests to their food sources.

Termites build these tubes to protect themselves from the outside world, so if you see one, it's a good indicator that there's an infestation nearby.

Finally, keep an eye out for wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

This is a sign that termites have eaten away the wood from the inside, leaving only a thin layer of surface material.

If you see any of these signs on your property, it's important to call a pest control professional right away.

What Damage Can Termites Do to a Home?

Termites are small creatures, but they can cause a lot of damage to a home. They tunnel through wood, eating away at the structure of the house.

This can weaken support beams, making the house more susceptible to collapse.

In addition, termites can damage insulation and wiring, making it difficult for the house to maintain a comfortable temperature.

They can also spread disease and trigger allergies. As a result, it's important to be on the lookout for termite damage and take steps to prevent termites from taking up residence in your home.

Termite Damage Facts 

★ Termites cost U.S. property owners over $5 billion dollars each year.

★ Around 600,000 residential homes are affected.

★ The average cost to repair termite damage is $3,300.

★ Formosan and subterranean termites account for 90% of all termite damage.

★ If you own a porch, deck, or stairway that conceals a portion of your basement wall, subterranean termites can infest your home without any external sign.

★ One small termite colony of 60,000 can eat a 2" x 4" in just five months.

★ Scientists believe that most termite species eat 2 to 3 percent of their body weight each day.

★ In some regions of the United States Formosan and subterranean termite colonies have numbers in the millions, and forage over 100 meters from their colonies.

★ A termite queen can live 15 to 25 years and lay an egg every 15 seconds.

★ Some termites can chew through asphalt, plaster, lead, and mortar.

How To Prevent Termite Damage

One of the most common questions that homeowners have is "what causes termite infestations?"

While there are several factors that can contribute to termite damage, the most common cause of termite infestations is moisture.

Termites are attracted to damp wood, and they will often build their nests in areas that are prone to flooding or leaking.

As a result, homes with leaks or other water damage are more likely to be infested with termites.

Other factors that can attract termites include wood that is close to the ground and piles of mulch or leaves.

To help prevent termite damage, it is important to keep your home dry and free of moisture.

You should also inspect your home regularly for signs of termites and repair any leaks or water damage as soon as possible.

By taking these steps, you can help to reduce the risk of termite infestation.

What Do You Do if You Find Termites?

If you find termite damage in your home, it's important to take action immediately.

Termites can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, and the longer you wait to treat the problem, the worse it will get.

There are a few different options for termite treatment, so you'll need to consult with a professional to figure out which one is right for your situation.

Now, If you haven't find termite damage yet but you live anywhere in the United States where subterranean or Formosan termites live, you should not be without termite protection.

Here at American Pest, we recommend getting the Sentricon® Termite Elimination System.

With monitoring and bait stations, you will know for sure that your property is safe from termites.

The Sentricon® system is a highly effective way to get rid of termites, and it's also environmentally friendly.

So, if you're looking for a termite treatment that will give you peace of mind, make sure to call us and ask about the Sentricon® system.

When looking for a pest control company, make sure to check them out on Angie's List. And, when contacting a pest control company ask if they have entomologists on staff.

It's crucial to hire a technician that is educated to understand their habits and habitats. Don't trust your equity to anyone but the best.