Termite Structural Damage Cost

Because we have just experienced a moderate to mild winter, scientists are warning that it may be a heavy termite season this year. The Southeast is home to many termite species and they are all commonly referred to as the “silent destroyers” for good reason. Termites are known to cause more than $5 billion dollars in property damage each year. That number is devastating for homeowners everywhere. Eagle Pest Services is here to talk about different termite species and how to prepare for termite season this year.

Subterranean Termites

This is the most common termite species found in homes around the country. They are known for the mud tubes they build usually found on the foundation of your home, and live in colonies that can be made up of 2 million termites! They cause unspeakable damage to homes and if left alone for a long period of time, can bring a building down to the ground.

Drywood Termites

These termites are known to build several colonies within one home, and can cause severe damage if left untreated. They don’t require moisture from soil like many other species. Watch out for them when the weather is all of a sudden warm and sunny.

Dampwood Termites

Any wood that has sustained a certain amount of water damage will attract dampwood termites. They require a lot of moisture, and for this reason, they don’t usually infest structures but will make their homes in wood piles and other areas of decaying wood.

Formosan Termites

These termites live in large colonies underground. An average colony consists of 350,000 formosan termites. These termites infest wooden structures as well as trees and shrubs. They consume wood at a fast rate and need to be treated as soon as possible when discovered.

Tips to Prepare for Termite Season

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for termite season at your house.

• Clear Debris from Your Home- When you have things like wood and cardboard near the foundation of your home, it can attract termite activity. You should always store wood as far away from your home as possible.

• Trim Landscaping- There shouldn’t be any trees or bushes within 15 inches of your home to help avoid termite infestation.

• Fix Any Moisture Problems- If you have any problems with moisture, work to get them repaired since some termites are attracted to rotting or decaying wood.

• Inspect Your Home Routinely- Doing a quick inspection of your foundation for any signs of mud tubes can go a long way in detecting and preventing termite damage. As we head into a termite season that has been forecasted to be a heavy one, it is important that homeowners prepare for it.

Termite Inspections & Treatment

One important thing to remember is a termite inspection by a professional pest control company like Eagle Pest Services. Inspections can help detect termite infestation early and save homeowners thousands of dollars in the long run. Termites are, at times, incredibly difficult to detect and treat on your own. Call us today for an appointment.