How Much Damage Do Termites Actually Cause?
Every year, termites cause billions in damage in the United States. Approximately 600,000 homes in the US report termite damage, and it costs around $3,000 for each homeowner to repair the damages.
Termites exist in colonies, with the largest one, the Formosan colony, containing 300,000 workers, which exists primarily in Southern US states. They can cause extensive damage, and pest control services need to report these infestations to scientists to help track the spread of these species.
If you ever notice signs of an infestation, consider calling termite control. Hollywood, Florida homeowners, are at greater risk of termite infestation due to the warm, humid environment ideal for Formosan subterranean colonies to thrive.
How do termites cause damage to our home?
Termites live in colonies and love to eat wood. Different species of termites attack wood differently. The subterranean species live underground and gain access to your property trees, flowers, vegetation, or shrubs. They slip through small cracks in the sidewalk or pavements and devour all wooden sources, causing extensive damage to your house. In a year, these colonies can eat one cubic foot of wood.
Drywood termites build their colonies within the dry wood structures and eat more wood to expand their colonies, causing more damage.
The damage can be extreme in warm, humid areas where Formosan termites live. These colonies can consume one foot of a 24-inch board in just 48 hours!
Even if your house is mostly brick or stone, this can have an impact on its construction. Termites can wreak havoc in the wooden parts of your house.
Termites not only cause structural damage to your property, but they also emit a foul stench. This is because they leave behind feces. Their feces can cause blisters or discoloration on your walls.
How to identify a termite infestation?
You must protect the worth of your home and keep checking for signs of infestation yourself. Termites leave behind many clues that make it easy for you to identify early signs of infestation, such as:
- Painted walls that peel and blister
- Blisters on wooden flooring
- Tapping the wood gives a hollow sound, which signifies that termites have been consuming wood from the inside.
- Walls appear to have water damage
- Spotting termite wings
- Mud tubes outside near the foundation of your house.
- Visible maze-like patterns on wood
Termites can ruin anything made of wood that they come in contact with. If you spot these signs, contact pest removal services immediately.
How much does it cost to repair termite damage?
The cost of termite damage repairs is determined by the size, location, and accessibility of the infestation and the structure of the home.
Repairs are frequently more expensive than the cost of the initial structure and might cost anywhere over thousands of dollars. The damage is so severe that homes need to be demolished in some cases. With additional cosmetic fixes, structural repairs, and repairs to flooring and paint, all of which will have varied costs.
Exterminator charges must also be considered because termites must be controlled and removed before any repairs can be completed. The termite control cost will vary depending on your termite control specialist, but it will often include the cost of chemicals and labor, bait, and service. It will also depend on the type of termite treatment and your location.
If you own a commercial building and face termite infestation, you will have to suffer additional costs, including:
- Customer loss.
- Reputation at stake
- The probability of temporary business shut down if the damage is too extensive.
- Financial loss as a result of business not functioning
- Insurance policy issues. Some business owners assume that their insurance covers termite damage repair, which is rarely the case. It is better to sort out these matters beforehand than face financial problems later.
In Conclusion
There’s no need to be alarmed if you discover termite damage in your property. Termite damage should never be ignored; the sooner you take action, the better. Make sure you contact a licensed pest control professional for assistance.
Call Captain Termite for all your pest concerns if you live in South Florida. We are committed to providing the best services and protection while using eco-friendly products and practices.