It's one thing to repair an old bathtub, refrigerator, or carpet, but when termites infest your home it's an attack of a living organism that can't simply be repaired. They will continue to infest your home, disrupting your lifestyle and general well-being. A termite problem isn't a simple home improvement project—it's war. Termites are one of the most common pest control problems and cost homeowners billions of dollars in damage each year. Without professional inspection and treatment, you have little chance of permanently driving your termites out and saving the integrity of your house and home.
Termite Inspection and Identification
Signs of termite infestation can include seeing a winged termite indoors or noting their distinct mud tunnels around foundation walls and flooring. If you notice these signs it is important that you contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. The signs may be subtle. Even if you don't see a winged termite in your home or any structural damage, you may still have a termite problem. When a colony swarms, the winged termites may be in the air for just a few minutes and you may not see them. Termites also eat wood from the inside out, making their activity detectable only by professional termite inspection.
While much termite damage is hidden, termites have few secrets they can hide from the trained eyes of a professional. They know the conditions termites favor, and how to uncover termite activity that the untrained eye might pass over—with damaging results. As soon as you suspect trouble because there is no advantage to waiting to hire a professional for a termite inspection. Termite treatment is a fixed cost, but the longer you delay treatment, the more damage termites will do. Repairs will become more extensive and usually more expensive. The sooner you correct a termite problem, the better.
No Home is Safe from Termite Problems
The experience of homeowners nationwide shows that no home, new or old, is safe from termites. By building mud tubes, termites can cross concrete, brick, cinder block, metal termite shields, pre-treated wood or any barrier other than a professionally applied termite treatment. Because termites need moisture and have a low tolerance to air and light, they live underground, attacking a home from below. A loose mortar joint, a minute space around a drain pipe or a settlement crack in the slab is all they need to gain entry.
Use Your Termite Inspection as an Interview
You may already know that you have a termite problem, but it can be a good idea to have someone come in and inspect your home anyway, before treatment begins. The extent of the termite infestation will help the professional determine the best way to attack your termite problem. Termite inspection is usually a great barometer for revealing the quality and professionalism of the termite professional. He or she should give you a detailed, written estimate after the inspection is completed. A courteous professional should help you feel comfortable letting him or her come into your home and take care of your infestation. Ask plenty of questions when the inspection is completed. This will help you understand the situation better, including why the termite treatment is necessary, how the treatment works, and the general knowledgeableness of the professional.
