As a homeowner you want to protect your investment the best way you can. Part of maintaining the value of your home involves regular maintenance. Homeowners spend more than $4 billion each year to recover damage caused by termites and to control the infestation. Since these pests feed on the cellulose found in wood, all homes built with wood framing are susceptible to the damage they cause. Here's how to spot and prevent termite infestation:
Spotting termite infestation:
Termite intrusion can go undetected for an extended period of time. By the time homeowners discover the infestation, significant damage has already been done. To prevent damage, it is crucial for homeowners to check for these warning signs:
Flying termite swarms around the property (look like large gnats)
Mud tubes climbing the foundation (subterranean termites)
Piles of wings resembling fish scales (if you haven't descaled a fish recently, you probably have termites)
Mounds of drywall termite pellets (appear as small piles of salt and pepper)
Crumbling wood
Excessively squeaky floor boards
Buckling wood or laminated floor boards
Pin holes in drywall
Drooping drywall
Peeling paint resembling water damage
Maintenance Inspection (Annual Check-up)
Hiring an inspector that offers an annual maintenance inspection can help prevent damage to your home. In addition to evaluating structural and mechanical maintenance requirements, the inspector will also check for termites to help you maintain the condition of your home. The cost of this professional inspection varies, but it can save you thousands of dollars for repairing the structural damage caused by these pests. If a problem is found, the inspector can recommend a treatment plan that rids them from the area before further destruction occurs.
Remove Food Sources
There are a few techniques that can reduce termite food sources and keep them away. Firstly, remove any cellulose containing materials from the home’s exterior as well as the crawl spaces. Remove stumps in the yard and miscellaneous timber lying around your property. Second, replace mulch in the garden with a cellulose-free material. Finally, ensure that wood siding is installed at least six inches above the ground to prevent termite infestation.
Eliminate Moisture
Termites are attracted to dead, decaying wood, but the Damp-wood termite has a keen interest in wood that is moist or damp. Removing all moisture sources from the home’s exterior will reduce the risk of Damp-wood termites being attracted to your home. Address moisture issues in the basement or in crawl spaces before they develop into major concerns. Additionally, always repair A/C and plumbing leaks as quickly as possible to prevent pools of water.
Keep Your Eyes Open
One of the most important steps that you can take to prevent termites is to keep a close eye on the home. It is important that you hire a professional for a thorough annual maintenance inspection. If you regularly look out for the signs of termites mentioned above, you can prevent a termite infestation and structural damage to your home.
Are you concerned about any signs of termite infestations in your home? If you are in Bergen County or Hudson County New Jersey, contact Walts Residences Home Inspection Service to schedule a mold inspection or any of our other inspection services.
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