Why You Should Call The Pros About Termites In Your Richmond Home

termitesHave you ever heard the saying out of sight, out of mind? It is often used to describe problems that we don’t see, and therefore don’t address. One problem that is often out of sight is termites; these small wood-destroying pests can cause serious damage to homes here in Richmond. If you do not know what to look for to identify these invasive insects, you could be at risk of a massive home repair bill. Here are a few ways to spot termites in your Richmond home, and a few reasons you should call the pros if you find any.

What Are Termites

There are several species of termites around the world, but the most common here in Richmond are subterranean termites. The reasons subterranean termites are so common here is mostly due to the way that they invade homes silently and under the radar. To keep their bodies moist, these pests construct their colonies several feet underground.

From these colonies, worker termites dig tunnels out to find wood to scavenge. Because of their need for a constantly moist environment, these pests will only invade wood that is water damaged, rotting, or decaying. If your home is affected in these ways, termites are more likely to invade and cause trouble.

How Destructive Are Termites

Termites cost Americans a staggering five billion dollars each year and affect around 600,000 homes in the U.S. alone. At best, the average cost to repair this damage is roughly $3,300. This number varies on two factors: how long termites have been in a home, and how many colonies are working together to attack.

Interestingly, termites do not destroy homes quickly; it usually takes several years for these pests to cause serious damage. The reason these pests go undetected for so long simply comes down to how silently they invade, and how they damage wood from the inside out.

Identifying A Termite Infestation

Termites invade homes silently, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to detect. Sometimes, these pests leave behind obvious signs that homeowners can use to spot them. Here are a few of these signs, and how long they take to develop after termites arrive:

Mud tubes running up your home’s exterior foundation (seen immediately)

  • Termite swarmers (seen after a nearby colony has fully matured)
  • Tiny pin-sized holes inside structural wood (noticeable at any point during infestation)
  • A soft clicking sound within wood (noticeable months after infestation)
  • Overly squeaky floorboards (noticeable years after infestation)
  • Tight-fitting doors and windows (noticeable years after infestation)
  • Drooping and water damaged drywall (seen several years after infestation)
  • Bubbling wallpaper/paint (seen at least a year after infestation)

If you are looking for a guaranteed way to identify termites early, let one of our qualified pest technicians come out and take a look. Not only do they know the subtle signs to look for, but they also have the equipment needed to scan and find termites no matter how hidden they are.

Why Professional Termite Control Is Best

There is no easy way to solve a termite problem without professional help. The products needed to handle these pests are only available for commercial use and not for the average consumer. At Pestmaster® Services, we offer a variety of solutions for termite problems including BoraCare, Termidor, and Sentricon® System with Always Active™.

With no shortage of experience and resources, our team will make sure your home gets the fast and effective treatments it needs to stay termite-free. Contact us today for any questions about our termite care plans or to schedule a thorough inspection of your Richmond property.