Termite Inspection, Removal And Prevention

Termites. The name conjures pictures of nasty wood-eating critters capable of bringing a house down. They probably could too, given enough time and zero removal.

Termites. The name conjures pictures of nasty wood-eating critters capable of bringing a house down. They probably could too, given enough time and zero removal. So if termites are indeed that destructive, how do you prevent them from boring your house to the ground? Let's find out.

Termites are hardy creatures that have been around since the age of the dinosaurs. It's no wonder we haven't managed to eliminate them. That's a good thing too because they aid in soil formation, recycle nutrients and are a food source for many animals. However, they should have no place inside a human dwelling. The solution, then, is to prevent them from coming in in the first place.

Inspection

Non-professionals can look for signs of termite infestation through several ways. A key indicator is the presence of wings. Swarmers' wings fall off and will litter the ground, window sills and near sources of light. There's no need to pay attention to swarmers a mile from your house but immediate surroundings with bits of fallen wings are cause for concern.

Mud leads are tunnels made by termites. They resemble small, long raised bits of mud. If termites are near your house, you should find them on slabs of concrete, brickwork, wooden beams, window sills and other dense structural materials.

Wood damage is another important and obvious indicator of the presence of termites. A dull thud when wood is hit by a hammer can mean that the insects have tunneled through the material.

Removal

Removing termites is a long process because they're so small and may not be noticed. Professional removal is always recommended but homeowners can start by applying borate to all exposed wooden materials. This means furniture, wooden floors, ceilings, wooden walls if any, beams, moldings, sidings, window sills etc.

You can also purchase termite bait stakes. They're tubes filled with wood and attract termites. They aren't effective at getting rid of large numbers of the insects but will at least tell you where they are.

Prevention

Prevention is more effective than removal which is why experts advise homeowners to take measures before buying a house or constructing one.

The site for a house should be treated to make it unfit for termite habitation. Pest control companies use chemicals that repel termites and treatments can last for up to five years. This, and constructing houses by preventing them from coming into contact with soil are a couple of preventive measures.

Since termites thrive in damp conditions, builders can install a moisture barrier under basements or ground floors.

These measures will keep away termites but for how long and how effectively depends on how often inspections are undertaken, how well wooden materials are kept dry and how properly homeowners keep surroundings free of them.

Calling for regular professional inspection should be made mandatory by homeowners. The cost of an inspection report ranges from $300 to $400 depending on how large a house is, the style of construction and ease of access to inspection. General home insurance doesn't typically cover termite damage but you can still benefit from coverage if the perimeter of your house is subjected to chemical treatment. Treatment itself isn't cheap, costing between $2,000 and $5,000 for an average size house. However, that's nothing compared to what it will cost you if termites decide to turn your home into a feast.

Termite inspection is actually an inspection for wood-destroying insects and organisms. It is essential for protecting your most valuable asset. Visit this website for more information.

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