Few things can strike fear in a homeowner’s heart more than the threat of a termite infestation. Usually viewed as a devastating event for the house, an invasion of the wood-eating insects doesn’t need to be a death sentence for the structure. Driving termites away from a home with a professional exterminating service and repairing the damage are crucial to getting the home back in order.
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Discovering Termites in the Home
The first line of defense in preventing termite damage is to have routine inspections performed by a qualified exterminator. The insects are usually well-hidden from view while eating away at the framework, and damage is not usually noticed until it has become extensive. Sawdust at the base of the wood frame or around furniture are the first signs that a termites are present, sometimes even in a well-established colony. Sagging floors and ceilings can also indicate the presence of a colony and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Extermination
If termites are found to have invaded the house, a qualified exterminator should be called. The professional will directly spray the wood that is easily reached, and in extreme cases a fumigation will be performed. During fumigation, the home is covered in a tent that keeps the insecticide within the home and allows it to penetrate the entire structure and surrounding area. After the insects have been eliminated, the home can be investigated for damage.
While fumigation may seem like a drastic course of action, it is often necessary to rid a home of an infestation. It is much less costly, in the long run, to eliminate termites entirely than it is to pay for the repairs an uncontrolled infestation will necessitate.
Assessing The Damage
Structures in the home that have suffered from termite assault need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible, because the bored wood left behind after an infestation is weak and can threaten the structure of the whole house. Hiring a professional contractor that is experienced in recovering homes from termite damage is the wisest choice.
Experienced contractors will thoroughly investigate the home’s structure including the foundation, framework, walls and windows. After the extent of the damage has been assessed, a cost estimate is provided for the homeowner.
Recovering The Home
If the needed repairs are minimal and only at the surface, the homeowner can attempt to recover the damaged areas by applying a wood-hardening compound and sealer. When there is evidence that termites have caused invasive structural damage, a professional contractor should do the work. A Petaluma pest control and termite service provider reports that severe damage often necessitates dismantling portions of the home’s wiring and plumbing to repair the affected wood.
Preventing Future Infestations
After the home has been restored, it is essential that the homeowner schedules routine termite inspections with a professional exterminator. An experienced technician is able to spot the very early signs of infestation, and an invading colony of termites can be eliminated before it has the chance to cause dangerous and expensive damage.
