You are vacuuming your hardwood floors and you accidentally bumped into your living room’s baseboard. Rather than feeling some sort of resistance, you noticed that the attachment went directly through the softwood. After carefully checking what happened, you find out that you have a termite infestation. Now, you’re wondering what you should do next. You need to know the extent of the damage and how much it will cost to have it repaired.
Unfortunately, it may take homeowners up to eight years to discover that they have a termite problem. These little critters can cause major problems to your home before they’re even discovered.
Subterranean Termites
This type of termite Myrtle Beach can cause over $1 billion worth of damages to homes in the United States every year. The repair costs for major home damage could reach ten thousands of dollars and in most cases, these repairs are not covered by home insurance. Indications that your home is infested with termites are noticeable termite shelter tubes on any wood surface or termite infested wood. If you poke these surfaces using a stick or a screwdriver, you’ll notice that the tip would easily go through. You may even hear a hollow sound once you tap the wood with the handle.
Other Insects That Can Damage Your Home
There are other insects, aside from termites, that can cause damage to your home. For instance, carpenter ants search for decayed and damp wood where they could drill tunnels and cause structural damage. Another example are carpenter bees. They can create entry holes into the wood that’s found on siding, decks, and eaves, and then once they are inside, they will start building colonies. Another damage causing insect is the powderpost beetle. Depending on the type, this insect will attack softwood that are used for the wall studs, floor joists, as well as other structural hardwood or lumber used for floors, furniture, cabinets, as well as the moldings and interior rims.
Dealing With The Damage
The question remains, how will you address your home’s wood damage? The first thing you need to do is to hire a pest control expert who will determine the extent of the damage. In case the damage is minimal, it’s better to treat for pests like termites. The main objective is to get rid of them from the wood well before they could cause significant damage to your home. You may also repaint the wall so you can conceal any noticeable damage. However, it’s extremely important to remove any moisture problems that may still cause wood deterioration.
In case the termite damage isn’t too extensive, you may still be able to bring back the structural strength of the wood by using what they refer to as an epoxy treatment. Epoxy mixes just like a cookie dough and it can also be molded into a certain shape when it is still damp. Then you can carve and trim it just like wood once it’s dry. When you paint over it, the wood that’s been patched with epoxy will look like new. This particular substance is strong and impervious to pests, which is why it’s a great option when it comes to window repairs, and fixing the exterior columns, molding, and door jambs in your home. In some parts of your house, you might be able to repair and replace the damaged wood by closing the gap using an epoxy filler. But if the damage is extensive, you have to call in an expert.
Call Zap Control Inc. if you need the help of reliable pest control specialists to rid your home of pest infestations.
Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/
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