Termites cost property owners billions in damages each year. They chew through wood both on the inside and outside of homes, creating buckling walls and sagging floors.

Termite protection can protect homeowners from costly repairs and maintain the integrity of their home for years to come. However, is it worth the investment?

Termite Inspection

While some may argue that termite inspections aren’t necessary for homeowners, those with older properties or a history of termite problems should make getting these inspections a priority. These inspections can be incredibly important, especially when it comes to selling a property. When termites go unnoticed and untreated, they can significantly decrease a home’s value. A Termite Inspection can help prevent this from happening and allow a homeowner to sell their property for a higher price.

A Termite Inspection typically involves a licensed professional going over the entire property and searching high and low for evidence of both subterranean and drywood termite infestations and activity. This is accomplished by looking for clues like shed wings, mud tubes and other debris, as well as checking for signs of wood damage in joists, posts, beams, stair supports and the foundation. Depending on the size of the property, a Termite Inspection can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours.

In order to prepare for your Termite Inspection, remove all items from under sinks and clear out garages, attics and crawl spaces so the inspector can get through these hot-spot areas without any interference. Also, trim up any shrubbery or trees that are stacked up against your house or foundation. Doing these simple things can go a long way in helping your Inspector find all the termite-related issues that are in need of attention.

Termite Treatment

Termites can cause serious structural damage by attacking the wood of your home or business. Preventing these destructive pests is a wise investment for homeowners and businesses alike. A professional can spot warning signs and recommend preventive measures to save you from costly damage.

During new construction, a termite pretreatment is the best way to protect your building from termites at the outset. A licensed termite contractor will spray or brush a termiticide on areas where the soil and new structure come into contact. Using this method will both prevent termites from entering and eliminate any already present.

Barrier treatments can include spraying or injecting foam termiticides into walls and foundation. These foaming agents have a similar consistency to shaving cream and fill cracks and crevices, sealing out termites and other pests that want in. There are also physical barriers, such as metal shields installed between masonry foundation walls and wooden sill plates and support piers.

Dampwood termites are a major problem in many areas, and these termites require special treatment techniques to eliminate them. One option is a termite tenting service, which involves setting up a large tent around your building and fumigating it with an insecticide. Foaming and dust agents are also available for spot treating infested or high-risk interior areas.

Termite Removal

Ridding a property of termites and stopping them from returning requires the skill of a licensed termite contractor. They are trained to spot telltale signs of the pests and know how to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place. They also have a thorough understanding of building construction and can identify critical areas that are most likely to become termite entry points.

Termites are very sneaky, and the damage they cause is often hidden until it’s too late. This makes it even more important to take steps to protect against them. Pre-construction termite treatment is one way to do this. It’s much cheaper and more effective than dealing with an established termite problem after the fact.

Homeowners can also help prevent the onset of a termite problem by removing piles of firewood and lumber from the property. They should also keep tree branches away from the structure and drain any water that accumulates around it. Damp soil provides a welcoming environment for termites.

Termite prevention is best done during the planning phase of a construction project, but it’s possible to eliminate existing colonies with liquid and foam treatments. A thorough inspection and termite treatment can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repair costs, protect their homes from damage and enhance the value of their properties. It’s worth the investment, especially since termite damage is rarely covered by homeowner insurance policies.

Termite Proofing

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses every year, leaving the structural integrity of buildings compromised. It can be expensive and time-consuming to eradicate a termite infestation, and the damage caused can significantly decrease the value of the property. Termite proofing acts as a shield against these pests, protecting the value of your investment and preventing costly repairs.

Preconstruction Termite Treatment

A termite treatment can be done at any stage of construction, but it is best to perform this treatment during the earliest stages. A trained specialist will apply a termiticide to the soil and areas surrounding the structure, essentially barricading it against these pests. This method is a great way to prevent an infestation before it has the opportunity to grow, and is far more cost-effective than post-infestation treatments.

The simplest form of termite proofing involves installing stainless steel or plastic collars around plumbing penetrations in slab-type foundations. This can be done before the concrete is poured and reduces the risk of termites entering these areas, which are difficult to inspect once the building is complete.

Regular inspections can also help to protect against termites. It is important to keep wood debris away from the house, and to trim any trees or bushes near the home. These types of vegetation provide a direct route for termites to enter, and it is recommended that a buffer zone of two feet be maintained between the home and any greenery.

Conclusion

Investing in termite protection is not only a prudent decision but also a proactive approach to safeguarding your most valuable asset – your home. By understanding termite behavior and choosing the right time to implement preventive measures, you can effectively mitigate the risk of termite infestations and protect your property for years to come. Don't wait until it's too late – take action today and fortify your home against the threat of termites.