Termite Damage 101
Are you wondering if you need termite protection? Termites should be a concern for anyone living in Florida. Many of the most termite-infested cities in the United States are in Florida. The hot, humid weather in the state provides the perfect environment for termite colonies. Our termite removal professionals have some information to share with Floridians about termite damage.
Cost of Termite Damage
Termite damage is very expensive. Every year, homeowners in the United States suffer five billion dollars in damages from termites. The average homeowner spends $3,300 to repair the damages to their home. Homeowners insurance doesn’t usually cover termite damage.
Why Termites are So Destructive
Termites eat cellulose, which is the fibrous material in wood and plants. Any wood parts of your home could become a tasty snack for termites. They could also damage paper or books. Termites can bore through hard materials like drywall or plaster to reach food, which means even more damage.
Termite infestations can go undetected for years. That’s because the pests usually leave the outer surfaces of wood intact. The inner surfaces could be very damaged before anyone notices.
Another reason termites are so destructive is the size of their colonies. Termite colonies can contain anywhere between a few thousand individuals and several million. There can be several colonies per acre, so plenty of termites could be near your home. Each termite eats two to three percent of its weight daily. With so many hungry termites working together, you can see how your home could be in trouble.
Keeping Termites Away
No one wants termites to invade their home. There are many things you can do to prevent termites from moving in. Termites need moisture to thrive, so try to eliminate or reduce moisture in and around your home. If you have any leaky faucets or water pipes, get them fixed.
Inspect your home regularly for signs of termite damage. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped is a sign that termites could be present. Uneven or bubbling paint on your walls is another warning sign.
Since termites are so sneaky, it’s a good idea to have your home professionally inspected. This can be done once a year. Regular inspections let you handle termite infestations quickly, before they’ve done too much damage.
If you’re worried about termites in your home, the termite removal specialists at Apex can help. Contact us and we can corner the termites and help you take back your home starting with a free, no-obligation quote.
