The Hidden Costs of Termite Droppings
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You probably feel upset, nervous, or anxious if you encounter termite droppings. Feeling upset is expected when you realize you have a termite infestation. You’ll need to take several steps to ensure you get rid of the infestation. However, it would be best to start by determining whether they are termite droppings or something else.
This article provides all the information you’ll need about termite droppings, including their description, whether they are dangerous, and the cost of getting rid of them. Learning to identify them is crucial since it may help you identify them sooner, saving you thousands of dollars, plus a lot of stress and time.
What are termite droppings?
Termite droppings are known as termite pellets or frass. They indicate termites’ continued intrusion into your home, and you’ll notice them as the termites knock out their excrement from their nest. Additionally, seeing these droppings indicates an infestation in dry wood.
What do the droppings look like?
Finding termite droppings in your home indicates that termites are expanding a nest into your home. The termites push out their droppings as they build, creating more space. The droppings have the following characteristics:
- Often, the droppings are 1mm long and look like pepper or salt piles.
- The droppings are brown, grey, or black, depending on the wood the termites consume.
- The termites push the pellets from exit holes’ in their nest and create pile-ups.
- The termite frass is characterized by having six sides; shavings or sawdust are granular. (remember this vital distinction in case you get confused by the two).
Drywood termites produce the termite droppings described above. Subterranean termites don’t produce frass or pellets. There are other ways to identify infestations from subterranean termites, but more on this later.
Where else could the droppings be?
AC systems and heat-extensive ventilation systems can spread termite droppings in your home. This could lead to costly damages; however, taking care of the situation before it happens can help the homeowners save most of the cash. You can also find termite droppings on window sills or in your bed. You’ll need to search for anything that appears water-damaged, particularly in areas where there’s likely no water damage. This could indicate an infestation.
Signs of a termite infestation in your home
You can find signs of a termite infestation in your home after they’ve established a nest. There are some classic signs you should look out for. They include:
- Discolored, damaged, or drooping drywall
- Blistered paneling or peeling paint
- Small, needle-like holes in drywall or wood
- Wood that sounds hollow when knocked on
- Crumbling drywall or wood
- Mud tubes that run along your home’s foundation or drywall (common among subterranean termites)
- Finding discarded termite wings in piles (common among swarmer termites)
Remember: You’ll notice signs of a termite infestation in your home long after they’ve nested. It would be best to take quick action immediately after seeing the first sign to prevent further damage. We recommend that you seek help from a licensed professional for help with exterminating the termites.
Subterranean frass
As mentioned earlier, subterranean termites don’t produce visible droppings. The first sign of their infestation is mud tunnels running up foundations or walls. The termites use their droppings to construct mud tubes or tunnels, making them indistinguishable from the nest.
Inversely, damp wood and dry wood termites spend most of their time entirely in the wood they feed on, and you aren’t likely to notice their presence unless you notice droppings or see a swarm under the damaged wood.
The average cost of repairing damage caused by termite droppings
Repairing the damages caused by termite droppings varies depending on the type and extent of the damage. Additionally, the property’s location can also affect the overall costs. On average, repairing the damage can cost between a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the extent of the damage.
The termite damage repair cost
Factors that can affect the cost of repairs
Various factors affect the termite damage repair cost. For instance, the type of repair required significantly affects the total costs. Damages limited to small areas like single rooms or sections of your home may cost less. However, widespread damages affecting the entire house can lead to extensive costs. You should also consider the costs included in treating the infestation.
Various things to consider are the size of the infestation and the type of treatment required. As mentioned earlier, the property’s location also affects the costs. For instance, repairs done on homes in the southeast USA may cost more since they are prone to termite infestation.
Remember that the insurance only sometimes covers your termite damage repair cost and may require you to pay for the repairs out of pocket. You’ll need to have your property inspected by professionals to get proper estimates of the damaged property’s repair cost.
How to budget for termite droppings repairs
You need to consider several steps when budgeting for repairing termite damage. They include:
Getting your property inspected
As mentioned, you must inspect your property when budgeting for repairs caused by termite droppings. You should call a professional inspector from a reputed pest control company to determine how much damage the property suffered and ask for a detailed plan of the repairs and projected costs.
Compare the estimates
Next, you can compare these estimates with other pest control companies to determine which company you’ll go ahead with. Doing this helps you ensure you get a fair price for the services. However, it would help to remember that costs do not always determine service quality. Ensure you dedicate the project to a reputable company that will be able to deliver.
Consider the repairs your property needs.
Remember, the type of repair done to your property affects the costs. For instance, replacing damaged wood could be more costly, especially if the damage is extensive. You’ll have to pay more for damages if the termite and their droppings cause more damage to your home and if the damaged materials are expensive.
Check your property’s insurance coverage.
You should also check whether your property’s insurance covers the costs of the damage. Check with your provider to determine whether they cover termite damage and adjust your budget accordingly. Most insurance covers don’t cover termite damage, and you may pay out of pocket. Those that do can help you offset some or all of the costs.
Set a budget
Next, you’ll have to set a repair budget guided by the inspection report. The report provides a rough estimate to help you understand how much money you’ll have to set aside for the repairs. Ensure you add any unexpected repair costs you may need to cover throughout the process.
Consider financing the repairs.
You may not have enough cash to finance the repairs and may have to look for other financial options to offset the costs. You should consider funding the repairs if you need more money for the project. You could do this with a personal loan or home equity loan.
Dont skip the treatment
You shouldn’t skip treatment if you live in regions prone to termite infestations. Often, preventative measures are better than reactionary efforts, and treating your property can help prevent future infestations. Be sure to add treatment costs to your budget to avoid future costs incurred from repairs.
How to prevent termite damage
There are several ways to protect your home from termite damage and reduce the cost of repairing termite damage. You can reduce the risk of attack by treating your home and following these tips:
Avoid exposing wood to the ground.
When you expose wood to the ground, termites may create nests in your home. Doing this provides the termites with food, shelter, and moisture, allowing them to access your property and build nests.
Eliminate moisture from your home’s foundation
You shouldn’t let moisture accuminate in your home’s foundation because it will attract termites. You should divert all water from the property and repair any leaking pipes, air conditioning units, and faucets.
Dont store firewood near your property’s foundation
You shouldn’t store firewood near your property’s foundation, especially if the area’s damp. The wood will provide food for the termites and encourage them to nest. Instead, it would help if you store your firewood in a dry area away from your property’s foundation.
Conclusion
You need a reputed company if you want reliable treatment and fumigation services, and Gentry & Associates Termite Control is just it. Brett Gentry founded the company over 33 years ago, and we’ve been an industry leader ever since. We have 8.5 years of experience under the current company name and have grown to a trusted wood repair and termite control service provider.
We specialize in exterminating wood-destroying organisms and pests, and our team is licensed to operate in California as a branch three operator. We are proficient in termite tent fumigation and localized treatment. You can trust us to protect your home or property and protect it from termites and pests.
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Please watch the video below to help you understand the process. Feel free to call to schedule an appointment!
How long does termite tenting last
Typically it will take three full days to kill all termites. We will walk you through the process to ensure all safety steps are completed. See your tent fumigation list.
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As you may already know, Newport Beach homes need a periodic termite inspection. Gentry & Associates specializes in termite control in Newport Beach and surrounding cities. Feel free to look around to learn more about Termite Infestation prevention. Here at G&A, we are confident you will be well pleased with our courteous service. Fill out the form, and one of our courteous team members will call you to discuss setting up a free termite inspection. We look forward to assisting you!
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