Termites are sometimes called “silent destroyers” because they can hide, going unnoticed for a long time without any immediate signs of damage. All termites eat cellulose-based plant material and all homes can provide them with what they want, regardless of the construction type. Termites can compromise the structural stability of a home and cost U.S. property owners over $5 billion dollars each year. Most insurance companies do not offer coverage for termite damage. The average cost for termite damage repair is a hefty $3,300.
Termite Damage Facts
When you consider the fact that you’ll be paying for your home for the next 20-40 years it’s important to take care of it and protect your investment. You do not want to discover that termites have been silently eating away at your home after you’ve been into the mortgage for 10 years already! Formosan and subterranean termites are responsible for 90% of all termite damage and a small colony of 60,000 can eat 2” x 4” in just a few months. Termites can eat 2 to 3% of their body weight every day. There are termite colonies that can number in the millions and the fact that a termite queen can live for 15 to 25 years while laying an egg every 15 seconds is startling. If your home has a porch, deck or stairway that hides a part of your basement wall, termites can infest your home without any external signs of damage.
Termite Prevention
Termites need moisture so eliminate sources of moisture by repairing leaky faucets, water pipes and AC units. Make sure water is running away from your home and don’t allow water to pool on your roof or in the gutters and downspouts. Keep air vents open for proper ventilation and seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes. Eliminate sources of food as much as you can by keeping wood away from the foundation of your home, and keep your yard clear of tree stumps and debris. Don’t allow wood on your home to have contact with the soil and put screens on the outside vents.
Signs of Termites; Sawdust, Frass, Mud Shelter Tubes & More
If you notice the following signs you may be dealing with termites.
– A swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home
– Paint that is cracked or bubbling
– Piles of termite droppings called frass
– Mud tubes on the exterior walls of your home, on the wooden beams or crawlspaces
– Wood that is damaged or sounds hollow if you tap on it
– Wings that have been discarded from the swarmers
Termite Inspection & Treatment
In Pennsylvania, we struggle with subterranean termites so local home and business owners need termite protection. Protect the equity you have in your home and contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control. We can conduct a thorough inspection and present a custom termite treatment plan. Give us a call today for all your pest control needs!