Henry Seawell IV discusses termite bonds and legal recourses if infestation occurs

Table Of Content

• Criminal Background Check
• STEP 4: Spray boric acid on wood, in the garden, and on any spots where there’s an infestation.
• How do I get rid of termites in my house?
• Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?
• Maintain the Termite Prevention Features
• How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?
• Discarded Termite Wings

Although you may not be able to depend on sight for many clues, there are other ways to check for termites. If you suspect you have an infestation, it’s wise to call in a professional exterminator to determine the scope of the problem and the best treatment. By using something to hit the wood of the house, like the back-end of a tool, homeowners can identify different sounds the wood produces, which can speak to its damage.

Criminal Background Check

Termites need to live in dark, damp environments where they're not exposed to air. There are also soldier termites with large heads and jaws that protect the workers and defend the colony. As adults, they are wingless, but they start their life cycle with wings so they can swarm to form a new colony.

STEP 4: Spray boric acid on wood, in the garden, and on any spots where there’s an infestation.

'The winged termites are often called swarmers, and this is one of the ways a termite colony reproduces. During the spring, mature termite colonies will release winged reproductive we call alates, commonly known as swarmers. These alates will emerge, pair off to mate, and attempt to establish a new colony.

How do I get rid of termites in my house?

This simple method requires taking two wet pieces of cardboard and stacking them on top of one another. The cellulose in the cardboard will attract the termites and they’ll get stuck within the pieces. This, however, is not an efficient method, as it may not kill all the termites or the colony. Termites will also begin to catch on and avoid the trap if dead termites are left in place for too long. Setting up preventative measures reduces the appeal of the home and protects the property. This is why termite damage is hard to recognize before it’s too late.

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

You will seldom see a termite queen since they stay in the nests to lay eggs and raise the young. Drywood termites inhabit the southern half of the United States, across the country from North Carolina to southern California. They, unlike dampwood termites, prefer dried-out wooden structures, like dead trees. However, they find entry points into places in your home like the attic, which is guaranteed to be a smorgasbord of dried out wood for them.

This termite species is typically between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch long. As their name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content, such as dead trees or logs, and don’t usually infest structures because of their need for excessive moisture. However, it is important to avoid attracting them as they can cause serious property damage if they make themselves at home.

Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected for years—damage that isn’t covered by most homeowners insurance policies. Terminix has been battling termites for 95 years and offers advanced solutions. When it comes to nationwide pest control providers, we recommend Terminix and Orkin.

The 4 Best Termite Control Companies and Services of April 2024 - Bob Vila

The 4 Best Termite Control Companies and Services of April 2024.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

If you think termites may be within your walls, gently tap on the flat surface. If this reveals a hollow sound, there is a good chance that termites have eaten away at the wood framing inside. Compare the sounds of a few different walls to be sure the hollow noise is unique.

Termites cannot destroy these foundations, but they can slip through a space that’s even as narrow as a few pieces of cardstock paper. Therefore, they can still access the wood in your home from the bottom up, especially subterranean termites. Certain factors increase the possibility for in-house termite infestations, including high levels of moisture, the availability of wood, and protection from the elements and avoidance of predators. Like most insects that find their way inside, termites look for the easiest possible entryway—which is often around window and door seals. If those door and window frames also serve as good food, then the termites may set up shop there for a while. As a result, the wood around the windows and doors may appear to be rotting or warping from the termite damage.

Unfortunately, spotting a termite infestation not as easy as seeing a termite skittering down your wood grain. Start by checking your attic, all of your home’s cracks and joints, and fuse boxes for the following signs identified by the University of Kentucky. Many homeowners discover they have a termite problem when they see a stream of swarmers emerging by the hundreds from a tiny crevice and flying off to form a new colony.

They often find entry points through cracks, utility conduits, or wood-based elements in your home’s structure. This is one of the most popular DIY termite treatment methods out there, and it’s used for all sorts of insect infestations. Boric acid is a toxin in the form of a white powder that you can purchase in any supermarket or hardware store. When it comes to termites, it’s generally best to skip the DIY methods and call in the professionals. On average, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $900 to hire a termite exterminator—although it could be upwards of $6,000 for a severe infestation. Left untreated, however, you could have even bigger problems on your hands if the termites affect the structural integrity of your home.

When you call a professional, they will use a liquid treatment or bait plan. The liquid treatment is the most effective and is fast-acting, and works to prevent termites from passing by the barrier the exterminator sprays around your home. Shaw gave us some specific insight into this treatment and how it works. Most of the time, you don’t have to see the actual termites to know whether or not your home is crawling with a colony. But if you start to see several little creatures flying around your home, or a set of discarded wings, it’s important not to distinguish a termite from an ant.

Some of the most common culprits are windows and doors, but anywhere that pipes or ductwork are routed outside will also need to be checked. Subterranean and dampwood termites love moisture, so repairing leaks in the home’s plumbing or roof will make it less attractive to these varieties. Lastly, for new builds or repairs, choosing materials like termite-resistant wood can stop an infestation before it begins. Termite prevention costs are lower than the cost of extermination and can save homeowners a major headache down the road. Professional termite control specialists can also provide additional suggestions for how to prevent termites.

If this wood is part of a structure that opens and closes (like a window), the warping can make it hard to move—especially if it’s been a while since it was last used. The longer the wood remains undisturbed, the more diligent termites can be with their damage. These microscopic, segmented roundworms are natural parasites to many garden pests—including termites. Beneficial nematodes burrow into their host and release a symbiotic gut bacteria that poisons the termite’s blood, killing them within a matter of days. Apply a mixture of nematodes, potting soil, and cold water to the infested areas of your lawn and garden.