Termites are some of the most destructive pests on the planet. They are classified as a wood destroying organism (WDO) and can quickly become a nightmare for any homeowner unfortunate enough to deal with them.
Termites consume wood and plants, feeding off of the cellulose that they contain. Termites have specialized enzymes in their stomachs that allow them to digest this cellulose, and they do not need any other source of nutrients to sustain themselves. They typically will construct colonies in areas with large amounts of woody material for consumption. Unfortunately, these subterranean colonies can often be built in and around the foundation of homes or other structures.
Termites are slow eaters, and it would take hundreds of years for a single termite to consume any noticeable amount of wood. However, termites are social insects, and their nests can contain populations numbering in the millions. This allows them to cause significant structural damage to homes sometimes within just a few days. Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes. Because most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage, much of this cost comes straight out of the pockets of homeowners.
Because of the risk that they pose, it is important for any responsible homeowner to have up to date termite inspections for their homes. At least every 5 years, homeowners should have a licensed pest control technician inspect their property for signs of current infestation or any conditions that might be conducive to future infestation. This is especially true if you are buying or selling a property. Dry wood termites are covered in the Wood Infestation Inspection Report(WIIR) that we have previously mentioned. When you are selling a home, you will be required to have a WDI from a certified pest control company, and this report will mention any signs of damage or conducive conditions.
By having these inspections, you are able to ensure that your home is in good condition and is safe from termites. Inspecting technicians can also perform preventative treatments of varying degrees to help wipe out any termites that might attempt to nest in the future. While the upfront cost of an inspection can cause some homeowners to avoid keeping up to date, it is important to remember that the damage that termites can potentially cause dwarfs the cost of protecting your home from them using preventative termite services.
Here at Canton Termite and Pest Control, we have decades of experience performing termite inspections and service work. We can deal with any termite problems you might face using the most efficient, effective, and safe methods in the industry. We can also preventatively inspect and treat your home to protect you from termites before they decide to nest in or around your property.
So if you have a termite problem, or simply have a question related to any pest, call us today at 770-479-1598! We will be happy to help you in any way that we can!
Here’s to YOU living pest free!
By:Tim
