How Long Does it Take for Termites to Do Significant Damage to a House in Hammonton, NJ?

If your home happens to become infested with termites, it can end up costing you tens of thousands in property damage. These small pests can often be underestimated by homeowners. When a colony of termites is left to their devices, they can cause significant damage to your home without you even realizing it. This is why it is so important that you are constantly aware of any signs that indicate a termite problem so you can nip it in the bud before the infestation is out of control. That’s why Ross Environmental Solutions is here to talk about signs you should be looking for.

Timeline That Termites Can Destroy a Home

Termites cause more damage to homes than other wooddestroying insects because they actually eat the wood. They have specialenzymes, bacteria and protozoa in their digestive system that allows them todigest cellulose which is the fibrous substance found in wood. Even thoughthese pests are small, they still have the ability to eat up to one pound perday if the colony is large. The only saving grace is that for a colony to fullydevelop, it can take 3-5 years. The problem with that is that they can often bein your home eating away at it for years before many homeowners even realizethey are there.

Signs of Termite Damage

For the untrained eye, it can be incredibly difficult torecognize termite damage until the damage is extensive. Some signs that youshould be watching for include:

• Bubbling and peeling on painted walls
• Hollow sounds when tapping on wood in walls
• Mud tunnels on the foundation of your home
• Swarms of flying termites (especially prevalentin the spring)
• Small holes where they enter into the drywall
• Buckling ceilings and walls

Cost of Termite Damage

Unfortunately for homeowners, there are an estimated 600,000homes that experience damage due to termite infestations yearly. That’s a lotof homes. Since that number is so high, the amount of money that is estimatedon repairs due to termites is upward toward $2 billion. Not only can theirdamage effect the structural integrity of your hone, but they can cause damageto furniture, carpet and other types of flooring. An unfortunate truth of thematter is that most homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover this damage either. Thefact that it can be avoided with regular pest control maintenance on your homeleaves insurance companies not likely to cover it.

Termite Inspections & Treatment

Termite colonies take between three and five years to reach maturity and cause major damage due to infestation. Don’t find yourself in a position where you are faced with high repair costs due to termite activity. This can be avoided with a simple yearly inspection by the professionals at Ross Environmental Solutions. Our experts have the experience and training needed to spot termite activity when most homeowners would have no idea they were even there. If you notice any signs that termites may be in your home, call us right away!