Termites can cause some serious damage: in fact, they cause several billion dollars in damage to structures in the U.S. every year—more than many natural disasters!
Left untreated, a termite infestation can spread throughout a whole house, feasting on the walls, floors, and foundation. That’s why it is so important to catch termites early and deal with them as soon as a problem is found. (Read our previous blog post to learn how to spot termites.)
If you suspect that your house has termites, you might be really worried. You’ve heard about the destructive nature of these pests and are probably wondering if your home is beyond repair.
Don’t panic! Before you do anything, schedule a termite inspection with a reputable pest control company. An experienced pest control professional will be able to determine the extent of the infestation and what type of treatment would fit best for your infestation.
Most often, a pest control professional will find more damage than you were expecting. This is because termites are small and hard to detect—hiding in the walls, causing damage where you can’t see it. However, that doesn’t mean that your house is unsalvageable. It’s actually very rare that a house has to be completely demolished due to termite damage. Fortunately for Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky residents, the Subterranean Termite common to the area typically takes several decades to chew through a home. (It’s the Formosan termite, common in the southern states, that can cause unrepairable damage in just a few years.)
Whether or not termite damage can be repaired depends on the extent of the damage. Termites actually do eat wood, leaving it hollow in places. There are two main ways to repair termite damage:
- Remove the damaged wood and replace it with new wood.
- Keep the damaged wood and attach new wood to it to provide support.
How much those repairs will cost depends on the amount, location, and accessibility of the damage.
Damage that can be repaired relatively inexpensively includes the following:
- Cosmetic damage
- Damage to wooden furniture
- Damage that is found in easily accessible places, such as the deck of a house
- Damage that is localized to one small area in the house
Damage that will cost more and will be more difficult to repair includes the following:
- Damage to the foundation or load-bearing beams of a house
- Damage to areas that are not readily accessible, such as the roof and inside walls
- Damage that is spread throughout the entire house
You can usually expect to spend several thousand dollars to repair termite damage, though it could be more or less in your unique situation.
There are a few other things to consider when repairing termite damage, including timing and approach. Before doing any repairs, it’s critical that the infestation be eliminated. If you start repairs while termites are still present, all you’re doing is providing a new snack for them! After the infestation is dealt with, you’ll want to consider whether or not to hire a contractor. You may be able to save a few bucks by repairing very minor damage yourself; however, if the damage to your home is extensive (or if there is damage to the foundation), we strongly recommend hiring a trustworthy contractor. If repairs are not done right, the structural integrity of your home could be compromised. Do not go the DIY route if you are unfamiliar with home renovation!
Concerned that your home has a termite infestation? Contact Scherzinger Pest Control, a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or through our website, Facebook, or Twitter.