Termites are the bane of any homeowner’s existence. We all have an idea of what termites are, and we’re positive that we don’t want an infestation on our property, but most homeowners are left with many questions about how termites impact their lives. By virtue of your being here, you probably already have questions about termites. So, before we go anywhere, we should start by recommending that you connect with a termite control company that can help you understand the risks termites pose to your property.
What are termites?
Termites are small bugs similar in size to ants that live in colonies and eat wood and other plants. In the wild, termites have an important job. They eat fallen trees and rotting tree stumps to make way for new growth to spring forth on the forest floor. The problem is termites are known to turn their specific skills toward our homes and can cause an incredible amount of damage.
Termite colonies can range in size from tens to hundreds of thousands of bugs. They reproduce rapidly, causing their colonies to grow quickly and take over a structure. Once you see signs of termites in your home, a small termite problem may have already ballooned into an all-out infestation.
Termites feed on wood, but more specifically on the cellulose contained in wood. Cellulose is also a component of drywall, so when you think about it, there is almost no element in your home that they aren’t hungry for. Unlike humans and animals, termites eat nonstop. Knowing that, imagine how quickly a colony with 50,000 members could cause severe damage to your home.
How much damage occurs in the U.S. due to termites?
Each year in the United States, termites cause billions of dollars of damage to homes and crops. The damage can range depending on how long an infestation is left to thrive without intervention. The average homeowner will have a few thousand dollars worth of damage, but a termite infestation that was left to fester can render your home completely uninhabitable. Imagine how dangerous it would be to live in a home where pests compromised the structure that holds it together.
Should I have a termite team on call?
Hiring a termite expert once you’ve uncovered an infestation is a great idea. However, the better plan is to develop an ongoing relationship with a local termite control company that can keep an eye out for termites before they become a problem. Once you’ve found yourself in termite trouble, you can count on us to eliminate your infestation with effective and thorough treatments. However, wouldn’t you rather avoid the stress and rush to take care of a major problem when you can pay a reasonable monthly fee for ongoing termite control coverage that can reduce your risk instead?
At the end of the day, we have much less control over the environment we live in than we might hope. Each spring, termites will swarm, and we all keep our fingers crossed that they won’t come knocking at our door. But if they do, we can guarantee the homeowners who invest in termite control services from Holder Pest Control will fare better in the long run. Contact our office today for more information about our termite control services or to schedule a free estimate.
