Termites are an integral part of the natural ecosystem. They help break down wood, releasing energy in the process. Unfortunately, these creatures can also cause damage if they get into your home, leaving many to wonder, “How fast can termites damage your home?”
Ortex Termite & Pest Control can help eliminate your termite infestation. Our team has decades of experience exterminating many species of termites, preventing irreparable damage to Clarksville, TN, homes. Ortex experts are licensed and insured and can provide a fast, effective pest control solution.
How Termites Cause Damage
Termites feed on wood. They can eat through anything from drywall to flooring and insulation. Not only can termite damage cause substantial financial damage, but its destruction can lead to health problems if dust and other debris accumulate inside your home.
Below are some factors that determine how fast termites can damage your home.
- They eat wood, creating sizable gaps in the structure of your home.
- They create tunnels through walls and floors, allowing moisture and other pests into your home.
- They cause structural damage by breaking beams and joists.
- Their excrement fills up air vents and insulation, leading to overheating and damage.
How Fast Termites Can Damage Your Home
So, exactly how fast can termites damage your home?
According to the National Pest Management Association, termites can eat through wooden structures at a rate of about two inches per month. Therefore, it could take termites up to 18 months to destroy a standard-sized home. However, if your home has an unstable foundation or if you have any other problems with the structure, it could take termites less time to destroy your property.
Identifying a Termite Infestation
Termites are creatures that live in colonies of thousands of individuals. As members of the insect family, they are adept at tunneling through soil and other materials.
You can determine whether you have a termite infestation by performing simple inspections around your home. Look for any naturally occurring crevices where termites might enter your home.
Additionally, check for any unusual entries into your home. These entrances could include damage from tunnels or stacks of wood that were not there when you bought the property.
Look for signs of chewing in walls or beams. All these signs indicate that termites are active inside your home.
What Attracts Termites to Your Home?
Areas with wet or tired soil or high-moisture environments attract termites to your home. They also crave an abundant food source that is easy to access. Termites live in underground colonies where they produce a fungus that helps them digest wood.
Your home’s architecture can also affect how termites spread. For example, if your home has many basements, it may attract termites due to the moisture and darkness.
Other factors that may contribute to termite activity include decaying wood, gaps in the roofline, and unsealed windows and doors.
Preventing Termites in Clarksville
Termites are among the most intrusive pests in the world. If you are in a position where termites are an issue, you must be proactive about controlling them. Here are a few ways you can deter termites.
Seal Cracks
Seal cracks in your home’s foundation, doors, and windows with caulk or silicone. Doing so will prevent food and water from getting into the termite colony and supporting it.
Inspect Your Home
Inspect your home for signs of termite damage before calling a professional. Seal off the affected areas immediately if you see any evidence of their presence.
Install a Bait Station
Try a termite bait station. These devices release a chemical that attracts termites and helps you identify their nests. Place bait stations at least 50 feet from your home’s exterior walls and 20 feet from pipes or cables.
Call a Professional
Hire a pest control company that specializes in controlling termites. They will have the equipment and knowledge to eliminate the colony safely and quickly.
Let Us Handle Your Clarksville Termite Problem
If you live in an area where termites are common, you must act to protect your home from infestation. Termites damage homes across the United States and often go undetected for months or even years.
If you have more questions than “How fast can termites damage your home,” contact a professional pest control expert. At Ortex Termite & Pest Control, we have the experience and expertise to rid your home of termites as quickly as possible. Call our Clarksville, TN office at (931) 347-1929 for a free estimate!
Also, view our blog to read about common pest problems in Clarksville, Tennessee.
