Discovering a termite infestation is one of the scariest moments for any homeowner. The tiny, whitish bugs can eat up your home silently for years, leaving behind hollow wood structures. They can also shift or damage your home’s foundation. You may spend tens of thousands of dollars on repairs alone. You can protect your property with proactive pest control in New Jersey to spot an infestation early before it gets out of hand.
Common Termite Facts That Every Homeowner Ought To Know
Most homeowners only learn about termites in their New Jersey homes from the “termite report” when looking to finance their homes. What you know of these sneaky pests:
1. Termites can be found anywhere: There are 45 different kinds of termites in the US, found in all states except Alaska. The activity increases with warmer climates. Since termite nests are hidden inside walls and other inaccessible areas, you're unlikely to see the destructive pest until it's too late.
2. Termites are an expensive problem: Termites are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage each year. Experts report an average of $3,000 for the repairs. The final costs can depend on the extent of the damage and the structural wood they feed on.
3. Termites feed on cellulose: Termites are after the cellulose in the wood. They can also target low-cellulose products such as cardboard and paperboard stored within your property. However, the bugs can chew through drywall, stucco, and plastic to access the wood in your walls, floors, or ceiling.
4. Termites are slow eaters: A termite problem develops gradually over time. The bugs are relatively slow eaters, eating only a foot of 2x4 pinewood within six months. However, the colony can remain hidden for years.
5. Termites will eat throughout the year: Even during winter, termites in New Jersey will continue to eat through your wooden structures. The cumulative damage of year-long burrowing can hasten the destruction of your home.
Is Termite Damage Preventable?
The only upside is that you can arrest the problem before it even crops up within your New Jersey home. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Remove any yard debris such as mulch, woodpiles, and scrap lumber from your home.
- Seal any cracks, crevices, or gaps on your foundations and sidings.
- Repair any water leaks in your home that can damage wood.
- Limit wood contact with the soil.
- Periodically inspect your exteriors for mud tubes, bubbling paint, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Schedule an annual professional inspection for your home.
Following the pest control tips above can help you avoid expensive termite removal and repairs.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
Standard homeowners insurance plans do not have termite damage as a peril. You may have to foot the repair bill out of your own pocket. It can take months or even years for substantial amounts of damage to appear from a termite infestation.
Insurers may have an issue determining when the problem began and if it was already present when you bought your policy. You may get a payout if the termites chew through electrical wiring, causing a fire. Reach out to your insurance broker to know if your house is covered for termite damage.
Why Every Homeowner Should Consider Termite Control
You need to get rid of termites in New Jersey as fast as possible before any damage occurs. Repairs are expensive and increase as the colony grows. You can protect your family through termite control services from Heritage Pest Control.
Our experts can conduct a detailed inspection for termite identification and uncover hidden nests. We also recommend effective treatment products to ensure we eliminate every queen, male, soldier, and worker on site. Call us today to kickstart your termite removal process in New Jersey.