While not all pest removal processes are invasive, it’s not uncommon to need some home maintenance and repair when all is said and done after treating an infestation. Every homeowner should be aware of some do’s and don’ts when it comes post-infestation home repairs. In this short guide, we’ll teach you about the most important home improvement fixes that are sure to save you time and money.
Insect and Bug Repair
Insects can be some of the most annoying pests to deal with, both inside and outside of the home. Because they’re so small, insects tend to get into the most sensitive areas of your home and wreak havoc from there. Sometimes, you may not even realize the damage they’ve caused until it’s too late.
Termites, ants, and bees tend to be the most destructive pests you’ll encounter, often requiring home repair due to the extent of the damage. Termites cause millions of dollars in damages to homes nationwide every year, and carpenter ants and carpenter bees can also cause damage to wood homes.
Termite infestations can leave what looks like water damage in the framing of your home. Unfortunately, replacing the damaged wood is the only way to rectify extreme termite damage. The same goes for carpenter ant infestations, though these infestations typically don’t reach the same degree of damage as termite infestations.
Fortunately, carpenter bee damage is easy to fix, as you can just fill the holes with plugs, caulk, or wood filler, then repaint it to match the existing finish. However, if the carpenter bees damage the structural integrity of the wood, you may need to replace it.
Replacing any damaged pieces of structural wood, whether in the framing, floor, or otherwise, is always extremely important. Don’t put off replacing these damaged areas, as the home could be in danger of collapsing if left alone. Additionally, weakened wood from ant or termite damage can allow water penetration over time, leading to even more issues.
Rodents
Rodent infestations can be incredibly problematic when it comes to home repairs, especially if the infestation has been left unchecked for a long time. Not only do mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks wreak havoc in your walls and attic, but these determined critters can chew away at the wiring in your home, too.
If a rodent dies inside the walls of your home, the problem can be difficult to fix and often requires drywall removal to find the dead rodent and get it out. However, wiring problems can also be a silent killer. Compromised wiring in your home could spark and cause a fire at any time.
If you have home repair projects to do following a rodent infestation, check as much of the wiring in your home as possible, especially in the areas where the rodents lived. You’ll need to replace any missing drywall after removing all traces of the infestation, too.
Finally, looking for and clearing out any rodent nests is a good idea. These nests can be made of various materials, including bits of insulation, paper, nuts, and more. The nests don’t cause damage on their own, but they can invite more pests to move in and can even act as kindling in the event of a fire.
Hiring Professional Repair Services
Even if you have prior experience, hiring a professional handyman to take care of any repairs after eradicating pests from your home is the safest course of action. A handyman or pest repair specialist in your area will have experience fixing damage from local pests, so they’ll know what to look for, and they’ll be less likely to overlook areas that may need repaired.
After an advanced infestation, your home may need exhaustive repairs involving the foundation, supporting walls, or even the wiring inside the home. All of these problems should be left to a professional with the tools, certifications, and know-how to fix them. Fixing issues of this caliber can be dangerous, but fixing them incorrectly can be even more dangerous in the future.
Have you had a recent pest infestation that left your home damaged? If so, any repairs your home needs may be involved, complicated, and even dangerous. Even if you have DIY experience, get the help of a professional who knows how to handle your home repairs promptly and properly.
Call Ortex Termite & Pest Control at 931-645-0382, today to get the process started. Don’t put it off, as any damage that is not taken care of quickly can potentially lead to more dangerous issues in the future.
