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.

How long can I ignore termites?

The problem is that a termite infestation may not create instant or noticeable problems in the beginning, but the long-term effects can be completely devastating. Just one colony can devour a foot long two by four in less than four months unnoticed, just imagine what multiple colonies can do to your home.

Will termites go away on their own?

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.

What happens if you don't take care of termites?

If a termite infestation is left untreated, it could literally bring your house down. The good news is termite signs can be easy to spot once you know what you're looking for. Spotting a problem early on will make it easier to get the proper termite extermination your home needs.

How fast can termites destroy a home?

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.

Why I'm Canceling My Termite Contract

Is it okay to live in a house with termites?

Termites are not known to be a health hazard to humans because they do not transmit diseases that are harmful to people. However, some people living in homes with termite infestation are likely to suffer from allergic reactions and even asthma attacks.

Can termites cause a house to collapse?

Advanced termite damage can greatly affect the structural integrity of your home, even causing ceilings or floors to collapse. However, if damage does not affect your home's structure, your family's experience at home can still be impacted by ruined carpeting, walls, furniture or flooring.

How long does it take for termites to do serious damage?

Experts estimate that over a period of about five months, a group of around 60,000 termites can eat the equivalent of one foot of a 2x4 beam. No matter how fast they eat, the pests can do serious damage to homes before residents are even aware of it.

What is lifespan of a termite?

Lifespan. Workers and soldiers live approximately one to two years. Queen termites may survive for over a decade under optimal climate conditions.

How fast can termites spread?

Termites take a very short time to spread. Within a few days, they can multiply to what's considered an infestation. Homeowners need to take every percaussion possible, and be sure to act quickly in order to protect their homes.

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.

What attracts termites to your house?

In addition to wood inside the home, termites are drawn inside by moisture, wood in contact with house foundations, and cracks in building exteriors. Different combinations of these factors attract different species. Additionally, geographic location plays a role in how likely homeowners are to deal with infestations.

How do you know if termites are in your walls?

What are the signs of termite infestation?

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.

What happens when a termite queen dies?

A queen termite has a long lifespan and is typically the oldest termite in the colony. Termite queens can live 25 to 50 years, with peak egg production for up to 10 years. When the queen dies and the pheromone she uses to block reproductives' development is no longer produced, a new queen will develop in the colony.

Do termites bite humans?

Termites very rarely bite humans. While you may have an infestation of termites in your home, they don't seek out humans or other living creatures like parasites, which feed from blood. Termites eat wood and other plant-based matter.

Where do termites lay eggs?

A termite egg is very small, white and oval-shaped. Since termite eggs are laid deep inside the nest, people rarely can see them. In fact, subterranean termite nests often are located 4 to 18 inches below ground and drywood termite nests typically are concealed within structures, including walls and furniture.

How long do termites stay in your house?

Swarms typically last a few weeks, although the start and finish can vary, depending on weather patterns and other local conditions. That said, seeing flying termites near your home is a reason for concern, as the closer these voracious pests get to your home, the bigger risk you run of having an infestation.

What do termites do when it rains?

Not only do rainstorms drive flying termites to mate during warm weather, moisture from rain also contributes to water damage in homes, thus attracting termites and other pests. In addition, rain can make getting rid of stubborn termite infestations even more difficult.

How can you tell how old termite damage is?

In theory, you could accurately estimate how many years termites have been feeding in a home if you knew (1) the wood consumption of a typical termite worker over a one year period, (2) the average number of termites actually feeding on the structure, and (3) the amount of wood that has been consumed in the home.

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.

Do termites eat drywall?

Drywall, also called sheetrock, is used for walls and ceilings in homes. It is made of panels of plaster enclosed on both sides with thick sheets of paperboard. Since drywall is partially made of cellulose, termites can readily feed on the paper in drywall and cause damage.

Are termites active 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.