Termite infestations can cause considerable damage to homes and businesses and significantly decrease property value. Licensed pest control company Connor’s Pest Pros and other experts warn consumers of the consequences of not addressing infestations immediately.
Termite infestations impact approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. annually. In Northern Virginia, the most destructive species is the subterranean termite, though other species can also infest homes in the region.
While the first instinct of any property owner may be to turn to DIY solutions to kill termites, many of these fail, resulting in money wasted and a potentially worsening infestation. The crux of the problem lies in misidentifying the invading species and failing to address the colony at its roots, and it’s for this reason why Connor’s Pest Pros and other industry experts advise affected property owners to hire professional exterminators for an infestation. In doing so, they can avoid severe property damage, which the Environmental Protection Agency says costs homeowners billions.
Termites are a significant risk to properties throughout the United States, often causing damage before they are detected. Industry data estimates these pests are responsible for over $5 billion in property damage each year; while the average cost to repair termite damage is around $3,000, this figure can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem.
Additionally, these costs do not include the cost of treatment, which will also vary based on the extent of the infestation.
According to experts, signs of termite activity include:
Discarded insect wings near windowsills or doors can also point to a recent termite swarm, suggesting that reproductive members of the colony have mated and may form new colonies nearby.
Although these visual cues are helpful, termites can inflict considerable damage while hidden, making timely interventions paramount to preventing expensive repairs. However, because distinct termite species respond differently to specific treatments, property owners are strongly encouraged to hire a licensed exterminator to identify the invading pest and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
An inspection by pest control experts is therefore recommended for a definitive diagnosis.
Professional exterminators conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire property, which many companies offer at no charge. Upon determining the species, the technician propose targeted treatments that will eliminate the entire colony and deter new populations from establishing around the property.
While treatments will last until the infesting termite population is eliminated, some companies offer ongoing protection in the form of monthly subscription programs. This includes continuous preventative maintenance to ensure termites are excluded from the property indefinitely; they may also extend to other pests.
