Frequently Asked Questions about Termite Damage
Dec 17, 2019Most of the time, we plow through our day-to-day activities focused on our careers, families, and paying the bills. Between carting kids off to dance lessons and sports practices, there is little time to consider the tiny wood munchers eating you out of house and home. Termites are insects that ravage homes and businesses, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. Many of us mistake these pests for ants, or we may see the evidence but not realize what it means.
Gain peace of mind by calling on the trained professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. to perform a termite inspection on your Fremont home. Our team will arrive at your property ready to spot the evidence of infestation and provide you with options for getting your house back. Call on us to save you and your family from costly rehabilitation bills.
9 Common Questions about Termite Damage
If you suspect you have termite damage or are buying a home and wonder what to look for, you are not alone. Here are questions we are often asked:
- What does termite damage look like? Look for blistering in your wood flooring. This often looks like water damage. You may also see hollowed wood that has a honeycombed texture. Scan your window sills, doors, and other access points for wings. Take a peek at those areas where the ground meets your house for pencil-sized mud tubes. Finally, you may also find droppings that look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
- Can you smell termite damage? Yes. Termites give off a musty smell or odor. If you cannot get rid of the mildew smell after checking for water leaks, it could be these wood-boring pests causing the strange odor.
- What does termite damage look like in drywall? Because of the paper that encloses the plaster in drywall, these pests will eat your sheet rock. You may see discoloration and small pin-sized holes, which means you may have a problem.
- How do I know the rot is termite damage in my deck? The damage from rot and termites is hard to discern. Your best bet is to have an expert come in and inspect to be sure.
- Will insurance cover termite damage, as well as the cost of termite control and repair? In general, your homeowner’s policy will not cover termite damage or removal. Insurance companies consider the effects of these pests as preventable.
- Does termite damaged wood need to be removed? Depending on the damage, you may elect to replace the wood entirely or add new wood as support to the bad pieces. You should hire a qualified contractor to ensure you have the correct fix completed.
- Who pays for termite damage when buying a home? Upon the receipt of a termite inspection report, any costs for remediation and repairing damage falls to the seller, unless otherwise negotiated.
- How much termite damage is acceptable or too much when buying a home? The answer depends on you, your comfort level, and where the damage is located. Obviously, if it is severe requiring substantial repair work, then you may want to walk away. However, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to pay for fixing the damaged areas.
- Can hardwood floors and baseboards experience termite damage? Yes, absolutely. These pesky invaders love wood, and a colony can wreak havoc on your newly refinished oak floors. This doesn’t mean if you have some evidence near a window sill that your floors are next, but if left unchecked, you are asking for trouble.
Get Answers with a Termite Inspection for Your Fremont Home
Find out the state of your house when you hire the team from Times Up Termite to come in and conduct a free termite inspection. We will carefully go over your home, looking for evidence of infestation. Then we will custom-design a plan to rid your haven of these pests with one of the many different options we are trained to use. For example, one such pesticide that is an eco-friendly, reduced-risk pesticide is called Altriset. It is known as a better choice for your home if you have children, pets, or someone is pregnant. Call us today and enjoy the peace of mind that your home is in good hands.
Give us a call at 510-568-7200 to speak with our team of experienced, licensed professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc.You can also contact us online to request a free termite inspection.