The Aftermath Of A Termite Infestation: Preventing Another Invasion And Dealing With Repairs
When you defeat an invasion of termites in your home, it is imperative that you protect your property from the possibility of future infestations. This includes making improvements to your home and hiring an exterminator to provide long-term follow-up maintenance. Dealing with the aftermath of a termite extermination can be an expensive project. Consequently, you should also seek ways to help cover the costs of repairing damage from the destructive pests. Take heed of the following tips on protecting your house from a resurgence of termites and how to help pay for the repairs.
Get Rid of Infested Furniture and Removable Fixtures
There are several types of termites. Among them, subterranean termites that emerge from the soil and infiltrate the lower levels of homes are the most destructive. However, termites can spread to other areas of the house, emerging from lower level wood structures. The pests can infest rugs, heavy draperies, wood picture frames, books, furniture, and even pet beds.
While you may have sentimental value attached to some of your most prized furnishings, if they have been infested with termites, you must get rid of them properly. When you remove the pest-infested items from your home, do not leave them in trash receptacles in your yard or on the curb for trash pickup. You need to completely remove them from your property immediately to make sure any eggs and larvae do not develop into adults.
You do not want the pests to re-enter your home or start building a colony in debris from trees and soil as subterranean termites can live for years in colonies before emerging. If you think that termites are living in your yard, ask your exterminator to treat your soil with a termiticide.
Remove and Replace Damaged Wood
Ridding a home of termites may mean that you must remove damaged wood. In some cases, you can simply attach new wood to structures that were infested. There are sealants that you can use on damaged areas as well that will prevent termites from burrowing.
However, if the damage threatens the structural integrity of your home, you will need to completely replace some fixtures. You do not want to have weak ceilings, support beams, and posts that are damaged due to termites. The weakened wood will be vulnerable to collapse at any moment, posing a danger to you and your family. Your exterminator can provide you with suggestions as to what wood parts need to be replaced.
Document the Process and Get Financial Assistance
From the minute you realize that you will have to hire an exterminator, you need to document each step of the process, from the eradication to the repair work of contractors. Hold on to every estimate, invoice, work order as well as receipts from supplies that you purchase on your own. Depending on the extent of an infestation, getting rid of termites can be expensive and time consuming. If you are on a tight budget or worried about decimating your savings to deal with the pests, you should explore ways to help pay for the extermination and repair expenses.
While most homeowner's insurance policies will not cover the costs of termite extermination, some policies might reimburse you for collateral damage. For example, if a ceiling or beam with termite damage collapses and causes damage to other parts of your house, you may be able to get reimbursed for that collateral damage.
If you rent out a part of your home, you may be able to deduct the costs of repairs in the rented area from your federal taxes.
You can also purchase termite bonds from pest control companies. This type of bond generally stipulates that your exterminator will inspect your home on a regular basis for termites. If the pests resurface, the pest control firm will pay for the damage caused by the insects.
Even if you do not purchase a termite bond, you should schedule regular inspections with a company like Tri-County Termite & Pest Control, Inc. as a preventative measure against a future infestation.