Any homeowner who has ever had to deal with termites will tell you that you should never skimp on having regular termite inspections. Not noticing or ignoring a termite problem can cause extensive damage and turn out to be quite costly.
Every year Australian pest control companies have to assist homeowners to eradicate colonies of termites that have infested their properties. Many of these instances could have been prevented if the right type of termite inspection was done timeously.
Top Reasons to Schedule a Termite Inspection
For many people dealing with termites is only something they give any thought to when they discover these little critters in their homes. By that time an extensive amount of damage is possibly already done.
That’s why pest control services recommend homeowners invest in a termite inspection every two years, or annually if you live in a high-risk area. The top benefits of regular termite control are highlighted below.
1. Professionals Know Where to Look
Some household pests, like cockroaches or ants, make their presence in your home very obvious. Termites on the other hand are notorious for hiding in places that aren’t that apparent.
Pest control agents are familiar with the not-so-obvious features to look for. They will identify the tell-tale signs of a starting colony, which an inexperienced person might overlook. Additionally, they will also be able to keep an eye out for other types of pest colonies that might be moving in.
2. Experts can Easily Locate the Source
Unless the termite colony has moved into an obvious location, it can be difficult for the average homeowner to know where they’re living. It’s important to note that they do not always live where you see them.
In most instances, termites hide under floorboards, in crawl spaces or even in walls. A colony can spend years living under your floorboards without you being aware of their presence, all the while causing damage to your infrastructure.
3. Lessen the Damage of a Potential Infestation
Termites can easily cause irreparable damage to your home. This is especially the case if your home is primarily made of wood. Since termites eat right through wood, there is often very little you can repair. In many cases, structures need to be replaced.
Termite damage can extend to your wiring and walls which in turn will push up the cost of repairs or replacements. Once a pest control agent has applied products for termite protection during their annual inspections, it becomes easier to keep the property termite free.
4. Reduce the Chances of Mould in Your Home
How will a termite inspection help reduce the mould in your home? It’s simple. Termites spend their days chewing on the wooden structures in your home. Some of these places are dark and out of sight. If there is mould present anywhere in your home, the termites will easily spread the mould from one area to another. Imagine a team of termites running from your bathroom to your kitchen and bedrooms, spreading mould! You’ll not only be dealing with a structural problem but mould as well!
5. Experts Will Use the Right Treatment
It’s true that you can try and save money by opting for one of the many do-it-yourself termite products. However, without the right expertise, you’re at risk of harming the people and animals living in your home.
You may also end up spending more money compared to outsourcing to experts, because an inferior product may require repeat treatments. Experts will be able to pinpoint what treatment is right for the type of termites you have. They will also skillfully adjust quantities based on the level of your infestation.
6. Minimise Structural Damage
A little-known fact is that an average colony of termites can munch through about a foot of wood in a few short months. If you don’t address a termite problem as soon as you discover it, you run the risk of suffering thousands of dollars in structural damage.
If your home’s structure is mostly wood, you may end up having to replace a large part of the frame. So, you need quick action. Experts will take the right steps to eradicate the infestation before it causes irreparable damage to your structure.
7. Affordable Termite Plans
For the most part, investing in a termite plan every year or two will be considerably cheaper than having to deal with these critters once they’ve moved in. Additionally, you can speak to your pest control agent to recommend the type of treatment best suited to your property.
Criteria that will determine how often you need an inspection will depend on your risk factors. Have you ever had a termite infestation before? Do you live in an area prone to termite infestations?
Final Thought
The top way to keep termites off your property and away from your home is to opt for regular inspections. Not only will your home be termite-free, but you also won’t have to worry about an unexpected structure repair down the line!
Angela Spearman is a journalist at EzineMark who enjoys writing about the latest trending technology and business news.