How to Protect Your Home From Termite Damage
Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage annually in the United States. While the exact figure is debated, the fact remains: termites pose a significant threat to homes.
Remaining proactive with termite control measures protects your home from damage.
Here’s what you need to know about termites and how to protect your home.
How to Reduce Termite Risk and Protect Your Home
Termites actively seek organic food material and water, as they can only survive a few days without these resources. Resolving moisture problems creates a less appealing environment for these pests. The following methods protect your home from moisture and termites:
- Install a crawl space or basement sump pump and/or a dehumidifier.
- Repair leaky pipes and plumbing.
- Clean gutters and ensure proper grading to direct runoff away from the foundation.
- Use termite-prevention soil treatments and termiticides.
- Avoid placing mulch near the foundation, remove wood scraps from the yard, and install termite shields.
- Use treated wood for new outdoor structures like decks and frames.
Foundation repair experts install waterproofing systems to protect your home against harmful pests, including termites.
Where Does Termite Damage Occur?
Termites cause harm by destroying essential wooden structures. Professional inspections often begin in basements and crawl spaces because termite damage usually starts from the ground and moves upward. Termites prefer dark, damp spaces, making these prime areas for pests. Termite damage occurs in the following places:
Interior Areas
- Wooden Structures: Termites destroy structural beams and joists.
- Window and Door Frames: Termites weaken wooden framing around doors and windows.
- Paper Materials: Books, newspapers, and cardboard are susceptible to termite damage.
- Fiberboard: Termites love to eat this cellulose-filled material.
- Fabrics: Cellulose and other fibrous materials are susceptible to termites.
Outdoor Spaces
- Exterior Wood Material: Termites damage wooden siding, skirting, and doors.
- Tree Stumps: These retain moisture, making them highly attractive for termite infestation.
- Wood Piles: Wood piles provide shelter, making them ideal spaces for termite activity.
How Much Damage Do Termites Cause?
Termites cause significant damage because they often remain undetected. Many homeowners discover termites after many years of damage.
Termites are a risk in every state except Alaska, and each year, about 600,000 homes are damaged by termites. On average, repairs cost homeowners $3,000. In severe cases, termite problems may reduce a home’s resale value by 20 percent.
Contact a foundation repair expert for a free inspection and detailed cost estimate if your home requires repair.
Where Are Termites Most Common?
The highest risk of termite damage is in the southeastern U.S., extending to Massachusetts, Texas, Oregon, and California. Colder regions, like Maine, Montana, and North Dakota, have reduced termite risk. However, soil moisture, humidity, and food sources ultimately affect their presence.
Orkin conducted its annual report, listing the 50 worst U.S. cities for termites. The study reviewed first-time residential and commercial termite treatments conducted between February 1, 2023, and January 31, 2024. Miami, FL, remains the country’s leading termite city.
The Signs of Termite Activity
Termites won’t go away on their own, so the earlier you discover them, the less damage your home may face. Here’s how to detect the signs of termite activity:
- Hollow-sounding wood: Tap on the piece of wood. If it sounds hollow, it may signal termite presence.
- Mud tubes: Termites create these pathways to provide easy access between their underground nests and your home.
- Droppings: Termites produce small, brown, or gray droppings that can often be found near their nests or tunnels.
- Winged termites: The presence of winged termites, either alive or dead, is a significant indicator of a mature reproductive infestation seeking to establish a new colony.
Protect Against Termite Damage with Groundworks
Protecting your home against termites costs much less than repairing damage later. After your professional termite inspection and remediation, contact Groundworks’ foundation experts.
We offer foundation repair options to strengthen and protect your home from the ground up. Our waterproofing systems also prevent moisture that attracts termites, safeguarding your home against future damage.
Contact us to schedule your free foundation inspection today!
Foundation Repair FAQs
While DIY crawl space encapsulation may seem cost-effective initially, it can actually end up costing you more in the long run if not done properly. It’s best to leave it to professionals with the experience and knowledge to ensure a successful encapsulation.
The duration of foundation repair depends on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed, but most repairs can be completed within a few days to a couple of weeks.
In most cases, you can stay in your home during repairs. However, there might be some noise and temporary disruption depending on the extent of the work.
