7 Key Reasons Why Termite Control is Vital
The Essential Guide to Termite Prevention and Control
Termites cost Australia billions yearly in home damages.
Colonies feast unseen on wood for years. Destruction grows exponentially, weakening structures.
Expensive repairs often needed. Usually not covered by insurance.
Professional pest control services and prevention are best defenses.
Key Takeaways
- Termites cause over $5 billion in property damages every year in the US
- Termites can collapse structures and compromise safety
- Most termite infestations are not covered by homeowners insurance
- Termite damage often goes unnoticed for years until major issues arise
- Treatment by a professional is the most effective form of termite control
1. Termites Cause Billions in Property Damages
Every year termites infest and damage over 1 million homes across the United States. They feast upon cellulose materials like the wood framing, flooring, walls, and contents of your home. The total cumulative cost of termite control and repair of their damage is estimated to be over $5 billion dollars annually.
2. They Can Compromise Safety and Structural Integrity
Termites weaken lumber and wooden structures as they destroy them from the inside out. Piles of winged termites swarming in your home should serve as a warning signal of major hidden damage. Over time, unchecked termite damage can severely compromise the structural integrity of a home and create safety hazards from potential collapse.
Areas Where Termites Can Weaken Structural Integrity:
- Walls and Wall Framing
- Flooring Systems
- Roof Trusses and Ceiling Beams
- Porches, Decks, and Patio Areas
3. Termite Infestations Are Not Covered by Most Insurance Providers
In most cases, termite damage repairs fall under regular home maintenance and are not covered under homeowners insurance policies. Additionally, termites infest slowly over time, so the full extent of damage is often not realised until costly repairs are required. This leaves the property owner fully responsible for preventative treatments and damage repair costs that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Termites Often Go Unnoticed for Years Before Causing Major Issues
| Year 1 | Termites enter home and begin feeding – no visible signs of damage |
|---|---|
| Years 2-5 | Termites nest, breed, multiply – infestation grows exponentially |
| Years 6-10 | Visible structural damage from termite destruction becomes evident |
Subterranean termites tunnel underground to access the foundation and framing of structures. As hidden pests, they go undetected for years while their population and destruction escalates. By the time warning signs like swarmers or wood damage appear, the active infestation has likely already become widespread.
5. Droppings and Discarded Wings Are Telltale Signs of Activity
Visible evidence that may indicate the presence of termites includes mud tubes, shed wings, and fecal pellets. Mud tubes approximately 1⁄4 inch in diameter are constructed by termites along foundation walls or wooden structures to enable protected passageways.
6. Professional Control Treatments Are More Effective Than DIY Attempts
Eliminating a termite infestation requires proper identification of the colony location and species, directly targeting treatments to areas of activity, and employing solutions that both kill and repel termites. Baiting systems, liquid soil treatment chemicals, wood preservatives, and fumigation by tenting when necessary are common professional-grade treatment options.
While DIY kits may seem appealing from a budget perspective, they rarely provide adequate termite control. The investment in professional pest control services is far more cost effective long-term by preventing continued destruction by termites.
7. Preventative Measures Can Reduce Risk of Infestation
Proactive steps to lower the chances of termite entry and establishment within your home include:
- Eliminate wood debris and tree stumps from soil surrounding home
- Ensure proper clearance between soil grade and siding/framing
- Repair cracked foundations and leakage prone areas
- Install termite monitoring and baiting systems
FAQ
Why is regular termite inspection important?
A regular termite inspection by a professional termite inspector allows early detection of signs of termite activity so a treatment plan can be implemented before extensive damage occurs.
What is the best way to find a termite colony?
A professional termite inspector will check areas like wall cavities and crawl spaces for signs of mud tubes, damaged wood, discarded wings, and termite nests to identify where the colony is active.
What building materials are most vulnerable to termites?
Termites feed on cellulose materials like wood trim, framing lumber, and wood flooring. Using termite resistant timber supports can serve as a physical barrier.
How do termite control professionals eliminate termite colonies?
Professional termite treatment utilises solutions like termite baits, liquid chemicals, wood preservatives, and fumigation to both kill termites and prevent future colonies depending on the species of termite and extent of infestation.
Conclusion
Regular inspection is crucial for early detection of termite activity.
Preventative measures such as partnering with a pest control professional to establish barriers and routine monitoring provide the best protection.
Early intervention with targeted treatments can minimise destruction and avoid major structural repairs.
Diligence and proactivity are key when defending homes against invasive termites.
