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Each year, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the U.S. A homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend an average of $3,000 to repair the damage.
How much does it cost to fix extensive termite damage?
Termites – one word that strikes fear into the heart of most property owners in the U.S. Termites cost American property owners $5 billion annually, affecting around 600,000 homes. The average cost to repair termite damage is $3300.
Is termite damage expensive?
Structural or property damage: When termites chew their way through structural beams or walls in your home, the destruction is far more costly to repair. While it varies widely depending on each situation, homeowners typically pay at least a couple thousand dollars in structural repairs.
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.
How hard is it to repair termite damage?
So, the answer is yes termite damage can be repaired, either by replacing the damaged wood with new wood or bolstering the damaged wood with extra support. The repair method depends upon how much damage the termites have inflicted upon the wood. More severe damage will likely require tear out and replacement.
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.
How do you know if you have termite infestation?
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.
How can I get rid of termites?
When it comes to getting rid of termites, you have two basic options: DIY or hire a professional. The DIY option requires you to purchase and correctly use termite control products. The professional option requires you to to hire a pest controller to get rid of the problem for you.
What is the difference between wood rot and termite damage?
Wood rot is a type of damage that fungi can cause to wood. Termite damage can leave wood looking wavy or with areas that appear to be hollowed out. Wet rot can cause wood to look darker than surrounding areas and cause it to feel soft and spongy. Dry rot can cause the wood to crack and crumble when it is touched.
How do you prevent termites?
Homeowners can reduce the risk of termite attack by following these suggestions: Eliminate wood in contact with the ground. Do not let moisture accumulate near the foundation. Reduce moisture and humidity in crawl spaces. Never store firewood or wood debris against foundations or inside crawlspaces.
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 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.
How do I know if my wall has termite damage?
Common signs of termite damage to a wall include: Small pin holes, where termites have eaten through the paper coating on drywall and/or wallpaper. Faint ‘lines’ on drywall. A hollow sound when you tap on the wall. Bubbling or peeling paint. Baseboards that crumble under slight pressure. Jammed doors or windows.
Should I replace termite damaged wood?
Termite-damaged wood needs to be removed when the damage goes beyond the surface. If the colony has penetrated your home’s structure, it is safer to replace the wood, especially in load-bearing areas. However, for superficial damage, you can clean and add support with wood hardeners.
Do termites eat drywall?
Drywall, also called sheetrock, is used for walls and ceilings in homes. It is made of panels of plaster enclosed on both sides with thick sheets of paperboard. Since drywall is partially made of cellulose, termites can readily feed on the paper in drywall and cause damage.
How do you tell if termites are active in your house?
Keep an eye out for the following signs of termite activity: Discolored or drooping drywall. Peeling paint that resembles water damage. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Small, pinpoint holes in drywall. Buckling wooden or laminate floor boards. Tiles loosening from the added moisture termites can introduce to your floor.
Do termites go away after treatment?
On average, termites will start dying off within a day or two, if you are using chemical treatment. In the event of serious infestations, you may have to wait longer for the treatment to kill the entire colony, since it has to reach the queen.
Do termite infestations smell?
If you’re wondering whether termites have an odor, the answer is yes — and it’s not a pleasant one. A termite infestation can smell like mildew, damp leaves, or mold.
