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How Much Damage Can Termites Cause on Long Island?
Termites are a notoriously destructive pest that can cause hundreds or thousands of dollars if they aren’t treated quickly. In fact, in the United States alone, it’s estimated that termites are responsible for $5 billion in repairs each year.
The reason why termites are so destructive is because they feed on cellulose, which is the main structural compound found in wood. These tiny pests also live inside of the wood they consume, so they can excavate extensive tunnel systems in a short period of time. Between their feeding habits and their tunnel systems, termites can cause severe structural damage to your home or building over the course of a few years.
What Does the Start of Termite Damage Look Like?
Termites are a particularly large problem because by the time you notice any signs of damage, you’ve likely had an infestation for quite some time. However, the sooner you treat a termite infestation, the better you can protect your home from their destruction. That’s why it’s vital that you keep an eye out for signs of termite activity, such as:
- Mud tubes traveling from soil to wooden areas
- Blistering, bubbling, or hollowed-out wood
- Termite droppings, which look like tiny pellets
- Swarmer termites, especially in the spring
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How Long Does it Take Termites to Destroy a House?
Thankfully, termite damage doesn’t happen overnight. It usually takes a colony years to severely damage wooden structures. If you catch termite damage within a year, you’ll likely only have some cosmetic issues to fix. Most severe structural damage takes six or more years to develop.
The bad news is that it’s incredibly difficult to detect termite activity until the colony has fully matured and caused extensive damage. Most people won’t notice that they have termites until three or more years after the infestation originally began. For that reason, you should constantly watch for signs of termites and stay on top of termite prevention.
How to Prevent Termite Damage in Long Island
With some insects, DIY pest control is enough to prevent an infestation. However, termites are different. They rarely leave their nest and burrow so deeply that without the right tools and expertise, you likely won’t know they’ve taken over your home.
That’s why the best way to prevent termites in Long Island is to partner with a licensed exterminator. They can spot even the earliest signs of termite damage and administer targeted treatments to get rid of a colony before it can fully develop. With annual inspections and ongoing professional termite prevention, you can rest assured that your home will be protected all year long.
