Being a homeowner means being responsible for the health, value and quality of your property. One of the major concerns of every homeowner is termites. Why? Well, because their infestation is quite easy to miss or overlook and the damage that they can cause (when not dealt with in time) can be immense. With that in mind and without further ado, here are several termite control tips that every homeowner should know about.
The damage can be immense
Termites are incredibly dangerous, due to the fact that they cause structural property damage to homes all over the globe. In the U.S. alone, they cause about $5 billion worth of damage, every single year. This is something that makes them a major threat. One misconception about termites is the idea that they only target wooden structures. Plaster, metal siding and insulation are also susceptible to termite damage, which puts your home in a much more difficult situation than you̢۪ve initially expected.
Termites are not a seasonal problem
One of the biggest problems with termites lies in the fact that they̢۪re not a seasonal problem. Why is this such a big issue? Well, because the majority of guides suggest seasonal inspections. For instance, you̢۪re supposed to inspect the roof bi-annually. When it comes to the termites, they̢۪re as likely to cause a problem in winter as they are in summer. After all, they̢۪re hiding in your walls and furniture where it̢۪s relatively safe and warm even when the temperatures outside are extreme. Naturally, different termite types are more likely based on the part of the year. All in all, the structure needs to be inspected every season.
Do not attempt DIY solutions
A lot of people are keen on DIY solutions for a number of reasons. First, the DIY is always cheaper, seeing as how you don̢۪t have to pay for the labour. Second, the DIY is quick, seeing as how you don̢۪t have to book in advance. Finally, DIY is self-reliant. The problem is, however, that DIY isn̢۪t necessarily reliable and there̢۪s no guarantee that your investment of time, effort and resources will actually yield the results you need. Especially when it comes to termites (when so much is at stake), it̢۪s for the best that you simply look for a professional termite treatment and rid your home of this nuisance.
Prevention
One of the key things that attract termites to your home is â€" how suitable is the habitat for their preferences. For instance, termites are drawn to moisture that gets condensed in wood. The best way to prevent this is to A) ensure that your roof structure is solid and B) check the ventilation of the area. If there’s no excessive moisture, termites get one less reason to inhabit your home. Not to mention that proper ventilation also makes the place more hospitable (giving you more living space). Also, since a lot of people use the attic/basement as storage, proper ventilation keeps the inventory a lot safer.
You have enough time
Previously, we̢۪ve talked about the necessity of a regular inspection. This is only natural, seeing as how the sooner you discover them, the less damage they̢۪ll get to make. Still, the urgency isn̢۪t really that great since a colony of termite can take about 160 days to consume a one-foot length of 2x4. The problem, nonetheless, lies in the fact that a lot of people aren̢۪t looking for termites or just don̢۪t know how to recognize them early on.
In conclusion
In the end, while it is true that the responsibility to spot them early on and minimize the odds of the infestation is yours, you aren̢۪t expected to do everything on your own. Knowing when to call professionals and doing so as soon as possible are crucial steps in avoiding a major disaster. A termite problem is probably the best example of how this works.
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