Warmer and more humid climates appeal to a variety of termites, but the New England area is also attractive to many termite species. In fact, subterranean termites are particularly fond of this region, which is bad news for residential, commercial and industrial properties in these communities. Don’t wait until you find termite damage to take action. Call the termite extermination team at Eliminate ‘Em today for termite inspections and other preventative maintenance!
Termites in New England
Although there are many types of termites in New England, subterranean termites are the most common and, unfortunately, include some of the most destructive species, such as the Eastern Subterranean Termite. Subterranean termites often hollow out wooden structures as they consume them, which can cause them to crumble when touched or to jeopardize their structural integrity. Termite activity in the walls, floors and ceilings can result in warped floorboards and sagging ceilings, as well as bubbling paint and peeling wallpaper. Since they are particularly skilled at hiding, long-term termite damage from years of activity may not be discovered until it has become extensive, so costly repairs often become necessary.
While termites are often more active and potentially more noticeable during New England’s warmer months, termites are a year-round concern. However, knowing what attracts termites can help homeowners prevent termite damage. Termite control experts near you can also provide termite inspections and execute preventative maintenance, such as basement cleanouts and exclusion measures, to safeguard your home and loved ones. For New Englanders, a local Eliminate ‘Em team in your service area is standing by 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide protective measures for your property or the necessary termite control treatments.
Termite Damage and Costs
In their piece exploring ongoing termite control research, PBS explains that termites “turn your house into a poop palace,” as a result of their activities. This disturbing description alone may be enough to warrant the immediate scheduling of a termite inspection. It also highlights how termite damage to your home occurs and the signs of termites that may reveal an infestation in your home. As further explained in this guide to common questions about termites, termites eat wood and other cellulose-containing materials. They use bodily fluids as well as wood and soil particles to create mud tubes. These tunnel systems are one indicator of termite presence and, as the colony expands, can be found throughout the home and yard. Their food consumption and tunnel building are some of the main causes of termite damage in New England homes and on properties throughout the world.
Owning a home comes with maintenance costs in addition to other expenses, like dealing with termite damage. Based on the home maintenance budgeting guide from insurance provider, State Farm, a minimum of $2,000 may be anticipated for the annual upkeep of an affordable and modest home. However, factors like the age of structural components and appliances, not to mention a home’s overall value, size and location, may require even higher budgets. Now, add to that number (and the ballpark amount of all other living expenses) the potential repair costs of termite damage. As shared on Bob Vila’s home improvement website, the average cost of termite damage repair is almost $2000. However, damage to a structural component like a load-bearing beam or wall, may cost around $3000-5000 on its own. In short, termite damage can easily double the general home maintenance budget if not exceed it substantially, depending on the nature of the damage.
Damage from termites or other pests, like bed bugs as discussed in The American Journal of Medicine, is not limited to physical property. While cockroaches, mosquitoes and ticks are higher on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of pests causing public health issues than termites, termites do cause mental and emotional stress. Both the fear of termite damage and the experience of a pest infestation can result in issues like anxiety and insomnia. Although these concerns may resolve for some people with the complete elimination of the pest intruders, this improvement may not happen for everyone. Consequently, prioritizing preventative maintenance and scheduling routine inspections are beneficial not only for protecting homes against termite damage but also for caring for one’s overall well-being.
Whether you suspect that there are termites in your New England home or in any other location, act now to prevent termites and the damage that they can do. For your peace of mind and the continued enjoyment and structural integrity of your home, contact Eliminate ‘Em. Take advantage of our rotating special offers and professional pest control and extermination services today!
