What Happens If You Have Termites

Termites are well known for their ability to cause widespread and costly damage to properties. If you have discovered termite damage in your home you are likely worrying about the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs. Mud tubes, swarmers, and damaged wood are all potential signs of a termite infestation.

Is your house ruined if you have termites?

Termites are known to cause severe damage to homes, sometimes costing thousands of dollars in repairs that are not typically covered in standard insurance policies. Discovering damage at your home is an unsettling experience, but a trusted pest control professional can help.

What happens if termites go untreated?

Since many species of termites build colonies in the ground, reach the foundation and floor joists of your home isn’t a very long journey. Termites that are left untreated can cause such extensive damage to your foundation and the supports of your subfloor that your floors could literally fall apart.

What do you do if you see termites?

If you spot termites in your home, do not disturb them. Avoid treating them yourself with regular household fly sprays. Do not touch these critters and their workings. This is because termites have survival instincts which allow them to feel disruption and move to another spot and keep doing the damage to your house.

Can you live with termites?

When you rent a home, it is implied that the place will be habitable, according to California Civil Code 1941.1. A rental unit may be considered uninhabitable if there is a severe pest problem, such as termites in the living space. Treating existing termites also can create a temporary uninhabitable condition.

How fast can termites destroy a house?

With about 2 million termites working in the right condition they can cause significant damage within the first few months. A home can be totally destroyed in a year or two.

What are signs you have termites?

5 Signs of a Termite Infestation Stuck Windows or Doors. Do you have a window or door that recently feels stuck, or suddenly became much harder to open or close? Damage under Paint or Wallpaper. Termite Swarmers & Discarded Wings. Mud Tubes. Termite Droppings.

Are termites serious?

Termites are one of the most dangerous types of pest infestations that homes can get. They will not sting, bite, contaminate your food supply, or spread disease like some other types of pests. All of these elements make termites a dangerous pest that you should do everything possible to avoid.

Are termites treatable?

Most cases of termites are very treatable, and it’s the sellers who pay for eradication and repair if the bugs and their damage turn up on inspection. Plus, preventive measures can reduce the chances of relapse. This is definitely a buyer-beware situation, though, regardless of repairs and prevention.

When should I worry about termites?

While these pests may look harmless, they can cause significant amounts of destruction when they’re in groups (or “colonies”). In fact, termites cause around $5 billion in property damage every year and can ruin nearly any piece of architecture if given the time, so you definately should be worried about termites.

What kills termites instantly?

If you spot a termite and want to dispatch it immediately, this is the technique for you. Shoot Termidor Foam directly into cracks, voids, and crevices that make for great termite hiding places. The odorless foam will expand, then evaporate, leaving behind a residue that poisons termites as soon as they touch it.

Are termites hard to get rid of?

Termites can be a difficult pest to deal with, especially in warmer weather. For smaller infestations, there are many DIY solutions that homeowners can use and apply to get rid of termites. However, when dealing with large infestations, homeowners should call a professional exterminator to handle the issue.

What causes termites in the house?

Moisture. Leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow all create moisture issues that attract termites. Dampwood and subterranean termites in particular thrive in humid environments. While dampwood termites prefer water-damaged wood, subterranean termites are unable to live unless surrounded by enough moisture.

Can termites enter human body?

Termite Attacks It is unlikely that a termite could pass on a disease to a human because of their non-toxic nature, but they are known to bite and sting if they touch human skin. Generally, these creatures are only a physical danger to other insects and will only attack if handled, starved, or otherwise threatened.

Can termites make you sick?

You’ll also be happy to know that termites are not known to carry diseases harmful to humans, either. However, if you live outside of the tristate area, there’s a small possibility that termites could make you sick, causing allergic reactions or even asthma attacks if your home is infested.

What happens when a house is treated for termites?

Stay at home treatments Heat treatment uses heat to kill off termites. A technician will bring specially designed heaters to your property and gradually increase the heat until it reaches a level that is lethal to termites. This entire process can usually be done in one day.

Do termites make your house smell?

Termites are also said to give off an odor that smells like mildew or mold; it is often mistaken as water damage. If you notice any unfamiliar smells, see if you can find where it is coming from; you may find the source being an infestation.

Do termites go through concrete?

Answer: Termites cannot eat through concrete. The issue is that no matter how well poured, concrete will crack as it settles. When poured around plumbing, it will retract or shrink from around the pipes.

What are signs of termite damage?

These tell-tale signs include: Discolored or drooping drywall. Peeling paint that resembles water damage. Small, pinpoint holes in drywall. Buckling wooden or laminate floorboards. Tiles loosening from the added moisture termites can introduce to your floor. Excessively squeaky floorboards. Crumbling, damaged wood.