Help! I Think I Have A Serious Termite Infestation In Richmond, VA

For being such instruments of destruction, termites are interesting insects. In some parts of the world, they are considered a nutrient-dense delicacy. Despite the amount of damage they cause to homes all over the world, they are also an environmental asset, breaking down organic material and returning it to the soil.

That being said, termites don’t know the difference between wood they can eat and wood they can’t, which means your home is fair game to them under the right circumstances. To learn more about signs of termites in homes, how long you have to get rid of them, and how to prevent termites in Richmond homes, continue reading.

What Does A Termite Infestation Look Like?

A termite problem can be hard to detect unless it’s been underway for a long time, which is why regular inspections are so important. If you do have a termite infestation in your home, however, you can expect to eventually see these signs of termites in homes:

• Mud tubes constructed along the home’s exterior
• Darkening or blistering wood
• Damaged wood is thin and easily punctured
• Longitudinal cavities called galleries inside the wood
• Feces that look like sawdust

Some species of subterranean termite can create colonies 60,000 strong on the small end and either continue growing or branch into multiple colonies. Because of their extremely fast reproductive rates, a few termites can become a termite problem in no time. The more termites you have, the more damage can be done in a shorter period of time.

How Long Does It Take For Termites To Destroy A Home In Richmond?

A colony of 60,000 termites is capable of eating 5 grams of wood a day. In the most optimistic circumstances in which you have only one relatively small colony, this could mean that your home won’t see significant damage for years or decades. However, this isn’t likely to be the case.

In the United States alone, termites do over five billion dollars worth of damage each year, and it often isn’t covered by homeowners’ insurance. This can be a major blow, especially if you moved into a home that already had significant damage. Because termite damage is exponential, a yearly termite inspection is essential to stave off irreparable harm to homes at risk of infestations. If your home doesn’t currently have termite prevention methods in place, it’s not too late to get an inspection and get started with your termite prevention regimen.

Is There A Way To Prevent Termites In Richmond?

The number one way to prevent termites is to enlist your local pest control for an annual termite inspection. However, there are a few other things you can do to protect your home, such as:

• Leave 6 to 8 inches between wood and soil.
• Don’t plant shrubs or dense plants near your home.
• Make sure underground structures like crawl spaces are well-ventilated.
• Ensure exterior wood is pressure-treated with preservatives.
• Seal any exterior cracks and holes with silicone-based caulk.
• Don’t leave wood scraps, stumps, or other decaying wood in your yard or near your home.
• Apply termiticides to the soil surrounding the home.

Most of these prevention methods can be done without the supervision of a professional; however, applying poisons and repellants can be dangerous and ineffective if done on your own. The best way to get rid of termites and prevent them year-round is always with professional assistance.

Can You Get Rid Of Termites In Richmond Without Tenting?

We understand that tenting your home can seem like an ordeal, and the health hazards may not be worth the payoff. Go-Forth Home Services offers a solution that’s safer for your health but is still an effective way to control the termite infestation in your home.

With the Sentricon System, Go-Forth Home Services will bait the termites with a substance they find even more appealing than the cellulose found in your wood structures. The termites who find the bait will draw others toward it and bring it back to the colony, effectively poisoning the population without any risk to the health of your household members. Not only can the Sentricon System eliminate current infestations, but it can prevent future ones. With our services, you can rely on our regular inspections to keep your termite control up-to-date and protect your home.

The best way to get rid of termites in Richmond is with Go-Forth Home Services. Call today to schedule an inspection or start your pest control service plan.