Termites can do a lot of damage if they invade your home. They are small creatures that can chew through wood, paper, and other materials. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch them early and the damage will be relatively minor. However, if they’re not caught soon enough, they can cause a serious impact on your home. If you think you may have termite infestations, repair termite damage as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Termite Damage
When a termite invades your home you will probably notice some signs or symptoms, if you notice the below symptoms then termites have infested your home by building their nest in your home.
Swarms
If you see what looks like a swarm of flying ants around your home during springtime then it is probably termites looking for mates to build their nests.
Termites Residue
Termites chew the wood and then excrete the sawdust as waste. As the termites chew through the wood they leave small pellets of feces behind. These small piles of sawdust or feces are a sure sign of termites in your home.
Blisters In Wood Flooring
As termites eat through the wood flooring you may start to see blisters form on the surface. These blisters can be raised and when pressed may leave an imprint of the termites within. If you start to see these small blisters on your wood flooring then it is time to get rid of the termite issues. Moreover, their tunneling can result in your hardwood floors bending and buckling.
Termite Mud Tubes
Termite mud tubes are another symptom of indoor termites. These small tubes are made by the termites and are used as a way for the termites to move from their nest to their food source. The mud tubes are about the width of a pencil and are usually found on foundation walls or in crawl spaces.
Termite Sounds
You may hear faint clicking noises coming from your walls. This is caused by termites tapping their mandibles together to communicate.
Hollow Wood
If you notice that the wood in your home sounds hollow when tapped, this is a sign that you have a termite problem. The termites eat the wood from the inside out and as they do this they make the wood sound hollow.
Damage To Other Household Items
Termites can also damage other household items such as insulation, carpeting, drywall, and even plumbing. The termites will eat through these items and can cause a lot of damage. If you feel there is a termite problem at your home, taking action as soon as possible is important.
Types Of Damage Caused
Before starting the repair we need to know the extent of damage done by termites is often determined by how long the infestation has been present in a home or how big the colony is.
Small Infestation
If the termite problem is small, then the damage will be minimal. The termites have likely only been in the home for a short period of time and have not had time to do much damage. In this case, repairs can be made relatively easily and cheaply.
Moderate Infestation
If the termite infestations are moderate, then the damage will be more significant. The termites have likely been in the home for a longer period of time and have had time to do more damage. In this case, repairs may be more difficult and the cost to repair is high.
Severe Infestation
If the termite infestations are severe, then the damage will be significant. The termites have likely been in the home for a long time and have done a lot of damage. In this case, controlling termites and repairing termite damage may be very difficult and expensive.
Cosmetic Termite Infestation
Cosmetic damage can be in the form of chipped paint, wallpaper damage, furniture destruction, or discoloration of walls or flooring. Depending on the material that was damaged and what you choose to replace it with, cosmetic termite damage restoration may be necessary. For instance, replacing hardwood flooring is much more expensive than fixing a few loose tiles. Cosmetic damage repairs typically only cost a few hundred dollars.
Structural Termite Infestation
A structural termite infestation is when the termites have caused damage to the structure of the home. If the infestation goes on for some time (typically about 5 years or more), it may cause structural damage. While the cost to repair a termite-damaged building varies widely depending on each situation, homeowners typically pay at least a couple of thousand dollars in structural repairs.
Repairing Cost For Termite Damage
The cost for termite damage repair depends on the infestation area size, location, and accessibility of the infestation. Some damage is so slight, In other cases, termite damage can cost thousands of dollars. In rare cases termite damage is beyond repair and infestation requires removal. The overall cost depends on following
Materials Cost
If you have a small infestation, the repairs will be minimal and the cost of materials will be relatively low. If you have a moderate or severe infestation, the repairs will be more significant and the cost of materials will be higher.
Worksite Cost
The cost to repair will also depend on the worksite. If the infestation is located in an easily accessible area, the repairs will be less costly. If the infestation is located in a difficult-to-reach area, the repairs will be more costly.
Infestation Size
The size of the infestation will also affect the cost of repairs. If the infestation is small, the repairs will be less expensive. If the infestation is moderate or severe, the repairs will be more expensive.
Labor Cost
The cost of labor will also depend on the size and location of the infestation. If the infestation is small and located in an easily accessible area, the repairs will be less expensive. If the infestation is moderate or severe or is located in a difficult-to-reach area, the repairs will be more expensive.
Total Cost
The total cost of repairs will depend on the factors listed above. The best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of repairs is to contact a professional. The cost of termite treatment varies on the type of termite and how much damage is done, as well as other factors.
Tips For Prevention Of Termites
There are certain things you can do to prevent termites from infesting your home:
Avoid Use Of Bark Materials
One of the things that attract termites is bark. If you use bark mulch or wood chips around your home, it will attract termites. It is best to avoid using these materials or to use them sparingly.
Remove Dead Wood
Another thing that attracts termites is dead wood. If you have any dead trees or stumps on your property, they will attract termites. It is best to remove them as soon as possible.
Avoid Stacking Lumber Near Home
If you have lumber stacked near your home, it will attract termites. It is best to keep the lumber away from your home or to stack it in a way that makes it difficult for termites to access.
Termite-Proof Your Home
- Paint or caulk any cracks in your foundation.
- Seal any openings around pipes or wires that enter your home.
- Replace any weather-stripping that is missing or damaged.
- Repair the leaks, if any in your plumbing.
- Fix any leaks in your roof.
- Keep firewood, lumber, and other potential termite food sources away from your home.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Keep your gutters clean and repair any leaks.
Regular Inspections
One of the best things you can do is to have your home inspected regularly for termites. This will allow you to catch an infestation early and get it treated before it becomes a problem.
Termite Inspection Before And After Repairs
Termite damage repair comes with the perks of having a home that’s infested with termites. It certainly wasn’t an expense that you were expecting, but repairs need to be done to save the home from further damage.
- Confirm termites are present before starting repairs
- Find the source where termites are coming from
- Inspect other areas in the house for termites
Call Professionals
Termites can cause a lot of damage and it is important to get the repairs done as soon as possible. The cost of repairing the damage caused by termites varies depending on the extent of the damage. However, following some simple prevention tips can help reduce the chances of getting termites in your home or business. If you are currently experiencing any signs of termite damage, please be sure to contact House Repair and Cares for an inspection.
