It’s important for homeowners to know the signs of termites that can indicate an infestation. But what do you do if you see evidence of termite damage in your home? If you think of yourself as handy, your first instinct may be to search for instructions on how to fix the problem on your own. However, the termite wood damage visible to you may only be the tip of the iceberg.
Learn when you should hold off on do-it-yourself fixes and why, so you can avoid the inconvenience of repairing termite-damaged wood only to find out you haven’t fully addressed the problem.
Signs of Termite Damage
These insects are found in 49 of the 50 United States. Some tell-tale signs of termites include:
- Blisters in wood flooring
- Hollowed or damaged wood
- Discarded insect wings near windows, doors or other access points
- Mud tubes
- Termite droppings, which, to some, can resemble sawdust or coffee grounds
When Should You Call a Termite Control Professional?
If you spot signs of termite damage in your home, you should definitely call a professional termite control service as soon as possible. Keep in mind, though, that not seeing damage doesn’t mean you don’t have termites in your house. In fact, a termite colony is capable of silently causing destruction to your home for years before leaving behind any visible signs.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to be proactive and make sure that you have a termite prevention plan with annual inspections in place. That way you can increase the odds of discovering that these insects are in your home before they’ve caused extensive damage.
Another good reason to be proactive is that many homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover the costs of termite damage, as it’s considered preventable through regular termite inspections. Reasons for this can vary – some insurance companies consider this preventable with proper homeowner maintenance.
When is it OK to Start Repairing Termite-Damaged Wood?
Before following any DIY repair instruction for termite wood damage, you should consult a termite control professional. This way you can have a trained technician inspect your home for termites to determine exactly what the extent of the problem is.
After all, you don’t want to spend your time, energy and money restoring parts of your home only to find out you have a major infestation that will result in you having to make the same repairs again. Each year in the U.S., termites costs homeowners an estimated $5 billion in damage and repair costs.
If your home has experienced significant termite damage, it may be best to consult a professional to assist with the repairs. Typically, repairing termite-damaged wood involves either removing or replacing the damaged wood.
DIY solutions may be great when it comes to renovating your kitchen or installing smart home technology. But DIY termite control can be ineffective and a waste of money.
Effective protection starts with a thorough inspection. A Terminix® trained termite control professional will perform a free inspection of your entire home, carefully looking for evidence of termite activity and potential access points. Save yourself the hassle and contact Terminix for a free termite inspection today!
