How Fast Can Termites Damage a House?

It's easy to think of termites as expensive irritants – the pests who eat the wood in your home leading to several hundreds of dollars of expense in replacing the termite damaged objects. That is a hugely optimistic way of looking at the issue of termite damage. Termites are insidiously destructive creatures and if allowed to remain in a building unchecked, can slowly destroy the structure’s integrity. When this happens, the cost of repairs can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

The Speed at Which Damage Occurs

The various types of termites cause damage at different speeds. For example, Formosan termites multiply rapidly and can do severe damage in under a year. Others, like the drywood variety, have smaller colonies and cause damage more slowly. The speed at which a home is damaged also depends on the size of the building, the materials used in construction, climatic conditions, and other factors. Whatever the type of termite, the damage remains unseen until it reaches serious proportions that mean big repair bills.

That said, on average, a termite can consume about 2% of its body weight in wood every day. That may not sound like much, but a colony of 60,000 termites can eat up to one square foot of wood in a few weeks. In a few months, the damage can be massive and the repair costs could amount to tens of thousands of dollars. Home insurance does not cover repairing termite damage, so everything comes from the homeowner’s pocket. And wood is not the only thing they consume. Termites will also eat clothing, paper, anything that contains cellulose, mold, and even soil. Cases have been reported of termites damaging electrical insulation and causing short circuits that resulted in fires.

Also Read: Effectiveness of Termite Removal Without Fumigation

The only way to keep a home safe from termites is to use the services of a professional termite control company with experience in local termite treatment. Such a service will have the following:

1. The skill to do a thorough termite inspection to see if an infestation is present.
2. The required local termite treatment experience.
3. Knowledge of which termite species it is dealing with. It will apply subterranean or drywood termite treatment as required.
4. Knowledge of the latest developments in termite control. It will know if termite treatment without tenting or another extermination method is best for the house and its residents.
5. The technology and resources to apply termite prevention treatment to ensure that the home stays protected in the future.

Based on the level of experience, the use of the best technology, availability of trained manpower, quality of service, and reputation, Hi-Tech Termite Control is the leading termite exterminator in Southern California. The company has the latest termite control technology and equipment available so that the right treatment for the different types of infestations is available. This includes termite treatment without tenting which is a method that families with young children or people with health issues often prefer.

Hi-Tech Termite Control’s reputation speaks for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How fast can termites damage a house?

Termites can cause significant damage in just a few months, especially with large colonies like Formosan termites. They can eat up to one square foot of wood in a few weeks.

2. What factors affect the speed of termite damage?

The speed of termite damage depends on the type of termites, the size of the colony, the construction materials, and the climatic conditions.

3. Are all termites equally destructive?

No, different types of termites cause damage at different rates. For example, Formosan termites are faster and more destructive than drywood termites.

4. How much wood can a termite colony consume in a day?

A colony of 60,000 termites can consume up to one square foot of wood in a few weeks, averaging about 2% of their body weight in wood daily.

5. Does home insurance cover termite damage repairs?

No, home insurance typically does not cover termite damage repairs. Homeowners must cover these costs themselves.

6. How can I protect my home from termite damage?

The best way to protect your home is by hiring a professional termite control company for regular inspections, effective treatments, and preventative measures.