Are termites a serious problem?

Termites are one of the most dangerous types of pest infestations that homes can get. They will not sting, bite, contaminate your food supply, or spread disease like some other types of pests. But, termites are dangerous to the structure of your home.

When should I worry about termites?

During the winter months when termites are less active the most common signs of an infestation include: Mud tubes on the floors or walls. Paint that is bubbling and/or cracked – usually with frass coming out of the cracks. Wood surfaces that seem to be sunken in or cratered.

Are termites a big problem?

Unfortunately, 90% of California is located in a heavy-risk Termite Infestation Probability Zone. If you live in northern California your home is at moderate risk for termite damage.

How serious is termite infestation?

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.

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.

Are Termites A Problem You Can Ignore?

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.

Can termites just go away?

While you cannot get rid of termites permanently from the environment, you can help prevent them from taking root in your home and control any active colonies nearby. Although it may be tempting to try termite control yourself, prevention and treatment is best left to the professionals.

How long does it take termites to cause damage?

It takes about three years of chewing for noticeable damage to occur. The cost across the US is around $2 Billion per year to address damage caused by termites. However, while that dollar amount is staggering, termites are only one type of insects that destroys wood.

Can termite damage walls?

Wall damage - Look for unexplained cracks on internal walls. As termites consume cellulose found in timber within walls, the visible cracks could be a sign of termite activity inside.

What to do if you see termites in your house?

If you spot termites in your home, do not disturb them. Avoid treating them yourself with regular household fly sprays. Do not touch these critters and their workings. This is because termites have survival instincts which allow them to feel disruption and move to another spot and keep doing the damage to your house.

Are termites a deal breaker?

So, when is it a deal-breaker? In most cases, termite damage shouldn't be a deal-breaker, unless you find that: — There is an active and unresolved termite infestation. — There is extensive and unresolved structural damage to the home caused by termites.

What are signs of termite damage?

How do you tell if you have termites in your walls?

Is it normal to have termites in your home?

Are termites common? Unfortunately, yes. These opportunistic termites are all over the United States, in every state except Alaska. Across the nations, they do about $5 billion worth of damage to homes and other buildings each year.

How do you tell if termites are active in your house?

Should I be worried about termites in my yard?

They may cause structural damage—especially if your house is primarily built of wood. Even if the structure does not have a wood exterior, termites may cause structural damage by damaging walls, foundations and more. Termites could get into your home and feed on furniture, ceilings, floors and cabinets.

How fast do termites spread?

Termites forage almost at a constant bases and can spread up to 150 feet around their one colony. It doesn't take long for termites to 'nest' and an infestation can take place within a time span of a mere few days.

Do termites come back after treatment?

Will termites come back after treatment? Termites may return after treatments. Luckily, companies like Orkin and Terminix promise to re-treat at no extra cost if you have a termite plan with them.

How do you know where termites are coming from?

They sometimes start swarming earlier if their food and/or water supplies run out. If you are a witness to hundreds of swarming termites outside, turn off all exterior lighting to avoid attracting them to your home. This is an indication that there is a termite colony nearby, somewhere in your yard.

What does minor termite damage look like?

Termite damage sometimes appears similar to water damage. Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage and visible mazes within walls or furniture. Termite infestations also can exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.

Is termite damage common in older homes?

Older homes are more likely to have active termite infestations or preexisting termite damage due to compromised foundations or drywall.

Can one termite cause damage?

But termites are not usually on their own, instead, surrounded by thousands of other termites within their colony. So while the damage that one termite can cause may be small, altogether termites can wreak havoc on building structures, floors, and other wood-based items such as furniture.

What kills termites instantly?

If you spot a termite and want to dispatch it immediately, this is the technique for you. Shoot Termidor Foam directly into cracks, voids, and crevices that make for great termite hiding places. The odorless foam will expand, then evaporate, leaving behind a residue that poisons termites as soon as they touch it.

Do termites go away in the winter?

Termites in Winter

Termites remain active year round - even during the winter. However, winter brings some changes in the daily routine of subterranean termite colonies. In cooler climates, subterranean termites typically move deeper into the ground during the cold season to access the warmth they need to survive.

What kills termites naturally?

Borax powder, or sodium borate, can kill termites naturally. You just sprinkle the powder on the termites and the affected area, or you make a solution of the powder and water to spray or paint on affected areas. You can also paint the solution on surfaces as a termite repellant.