How Much Damage Can Termites Cause & How Quickly?

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Termites are insects that eat wood. They have special bacteria that lives in their digestive system that can process cellulose fibers, which is what wood is made up of. They have been around since the dinosaur era. In nature, they help break down wood and make way for new trees to grow in its place, but, unfortunately, they also caused about $5 billion worth of property damage every year. There are three different kinds of termites that are common in the US, including the drywood, dampwood, and subterranean termites. The majority of the termites found in the US are the dampwood termites because they enjoy wet wood.

Termite swarms often fly around during early spring. They can easily be confused with a swarm of flying ants, but they are much more destructive. The telltale signs that there’s a termite infestation in a home include, blistering or darkening of wood structures, wood becoming soft, and mud tubes suddenly appearing right outside your home or close to your home’s foundation.

How Much Damage Can Termites Cause & How Quickly?

Termites eat every single minute of every single day, so any part of your home that is made of wood can be destroyed fairly quickly. It would take a single termite over 3,000 years to eat all of the wood that made up a 900 square foot home. Unfortunately, termites live in colonies that can total over 300,000 termites. Many believe than an average sized colony can consume about 1/5 of an ounce of wood per day.

When does a homeowner notice the termites and how can they can prevent an infestation?

Homeowners often have issues with termite swarms within the first few weeks of spring. A termite swarm is a clear sign that there is an infestation close by. If you happen to spot a termite swarm within your property, call a professional immediately.

Here are some steps homeowners can take to prevent termite infestations in their home:

• Eliminate or reduce any moisture from around or inside your home. Termites love moisture and they need it to thrive.
• Reduce the humidity in your crawl spaces by installing proper ventilation.
• Keep your hedges, vines, and other vegetation trimmed to ensure they do not block your vents.
• Replace old boards and remove any old tree trunks and roots located near your home.
• Regularly inspect your home’s foundation for any signs of termite damage.

Termites are difficult to deal with on your own. It is better to trust a licensed professional who can come in, analyze your infestation, and determine what the best course of action will be. Pest control professionals have the expertise, training, and technology necessary to destroying any termite infestation.