What to Do When You Find Termites in Your Home: Your Four-Step Guide

Termites are a destructive force that can compromise your home’s structural integrity. Known as “silent destroyers”, termites invade homes across the globe, eating through wood, drywall, and even plaster. Many people are surprised to learn that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year. If you suspect that there are termites in your home, the key is to act quickly. Below are four important steps to take if you find termites in your home.

Step One: Contact a Pest Control Specialist Immediately

Seeking the services of a professional pest control specialist is the single most important step you can take if you have termites. A trained professional will conduct a thorough evaluation of your property and provide the following:

• An assessment of the severity of your termite problem
• Identification of the type of termites that are invading your home
• Professional extermination using sprays, foams, baits and fumigation

Step Two: Review Your Insurance Policy

If your home has sustained any damage due to a termite infestation, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company. While most homeowner’s insurance policies usually do not cover termite damage, your insurance agent could provide some valuable guidance regarding proactive measures that you can take to safeguard against future termite problems. Additionally, they could possibly recommend a contractor to help repair the damage you home sustained.

Step Three: Repair Any Damage to Your Home

Once you have taken steps to treat your termite problem, you should address any property damage right away. Depending on the extent of your termite infestation, your property damage could range from minor superficial damage to baseboards to extensive damage to your home’s interior structure.

Any major damage should be repaired by an experienced restoration specialist to ensure that you and your family are protected. Be sure to select a contractor who is licensed, insured, and in good standing in your community. Friends, family members, and work colleagues are often good sources who could refer you to a dependable restoration specialist.

Step Four: Take Measures to Prevent Future Termite Infestations

“It’s a good idea to be proactive and make sure that you have a termite prevention plan with annual inspections in place. That way you can increase the odds of discovering that these insects are in your home before they’ve caused extensive damage.” – Terminix

Taking just a few preventive measures can help you keep termites at bay. Prevention should be a two-phase process that starts with an annual inspection of your home by your trusted pest control provider. Your inspector will quickly be able to spot any signs of re-infestation and can administer barrier treatments that will serve as a deterrent for termites and other pests.

As a homeowner, you can also play a key role in the prevention process by regularly monitoring your property. Here are some specific measures you can take to make your home less attractive to termites:

• Seal cracks and holes in your home’s foundation and structure
• Channel water away from your home with gutter extenders and yard grading
• Regularly monitor your home for signs of additional infestations
• Store firewood away from your home in case termites have inhabited the wood

The Bottom Line

Coping with a termite infestation is not a pleasant experience. However, by following the steps above, you can safely eliminate termites from your home and help prevent future infestations. To learn more about the important role Homeowners Insurance can play in the home maintenance process, we invite you to contact us at InsureYourCompany.com. Since 2001, we have provided residents and business owners with cost-effective insurance solutions. We look forward to helping you maintain a safe, secure home environment!