These critters have strong saw-like mandibles made for chewing through all types of wood. Although no more than just a quarter-inch long, their extremely small ghostly colored spear-shaped bodies are powered by six tiny hairy legs that speed quietly through your baseboards and wood framing eating your house and terrorize your peace of mind.
No folks, I’m not giving out the plot to a horror film, I’m referring to termites. Subterranean termites are the single greatest economic pest in the U.S. affecting more than 4 million homes and causing between $1-5 Billion in repairs each year, depending on whose stats you go by. Without the right precautionary measures, your home could be next!
But don’t fret, Green American Home Inspections prides itself on educating you on home maintenance skills that will benefit you and protect your home from these creepy crawly stealth insects of destruction.
So how do you know if termites are living rent free in your home?
Common signs of termites include
- Mud tubes no wider than a straw. These will often appear around plumbing, pipes, behind siding, baseboards, piers, and even chimneys.
- Hollow wood. You can check for hollow wood by tapping a screwdriver handle along a few inches of wood. If the wood sound hollow or the handle breaks through the wood, there is a termite infestation taking place.
Here’s what this means for you. The treatment for a professional termite infestation can be around $3,500 and up depending on the damage. Remember termites cause an estimated $5 billion in repair costs and property damages annually!
If that isn’t bad enough, these pests spread, FAST! They constantly invite more uninvited freeloaders into your wooden framed walls, scrap wood piles, and even railway ties.
The best thing you can do is to be aware. Be on the lookout for “white ants”. These soft bodied, straight antennae, pale insects have two distinct body regions, head and body, since their thorax is joined to their abdomen.
Don’t worry. You won’t have to become an expert on termites. We already are. We just want to remind you of these critters and of our willingness to help protect your home from termite damage. Call us today if you’re gone more than 1 year without a termite inspection for your annual termite checkup (816) 565-1991. We’re awaiting your call.
Keep in mind, most homeowners aren’t even aware it’s a problem until it’s an infestation. Then it’s too late. Be aware of the telltale termite signs this summer to protect your home and peace of mind.
Green America Home Inspections, LLC is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri for your convenience.
Leave A Comment