Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
If you want to avoid paying thousands of dollars in damages to your newly purchased home, a termite protection plan may be right for you. Many homebuyers assume that these wood-eating insects won’t affect a newly built home, but even new homes are subject to termite damage. Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes across the U.S. Don’t let your new investment be one of them! So today on the blog, we discuss why termite protection plans are necessary when buying a new home.
Contrary to popular belief, termites aren’t just active during the warm season. Termites live underground and travel inside through mud tubes. Therefore, they are active during the winter as well, although they pose the most significant threat during the swarming season, early spring to summer. So, whether you’re building a new home or purchasing one from a contractor, here’s why you should consider a termite protection plan.
Termites eat any type of wood
Termites prefer old, rotting wood but will eat any type of wood, even if it’s new. This puts a newly built home at risk of termite damage because the wood studs and beams are exposed to the elements during construction. Your contractor may do everything by the book, but your home could still be at risk for termites. In some cases, contractors begin the homebuilding process, only to stop once the framing is complete and move on to starting a new project. It could take weeks or months before the framing is dried in and the outside of the home is complete. During this time, a lot can happen, including a termite infestation. Unfortunately, you might not realize there is an issue until long after you move into your new home.
How to protect your home from termite damage
AAA Termite and Pest Control offers termite pretreatments, which are treatments applied to prevent termites. Termite treatments help reduce the risk of termite damage, so long as you continue your plan annually. There is a cost involved in termite pretreatments, although it’s much cheaper than treating a termite infestation and paying for the cost of home repairs.
If you’ve already moved into your new home and are wondering how to spot termites, here’s what to look for:
- Blisters in wood flooring
- Termite droppings, which look like tiny grains or seeds
- Discarded termite wings
- Dead termites (usually brown or black)
- Hollow or damaged wood
- Mud tubes along your foundation or inside your crawlspace
- Sawdust
- Weak walls or flooring
- Spotting termites inside your home
It’s unlikely that you’ll see termites inside your home, only their effects. However, if you spot termites crawling or flying inside your home, this is a sure sign of a termite infestation, and we recommend addressing the issue as soon as possible by contacting a termite control company in Memphis, like AAA Termite and Pest Control. It should be noted that homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Prevention and repairs from termites are a cost that is passed on to homeowners.
Termite Inspection in Cordova and Memphis
If you’d like to schedule a termite inspection in Cordova or need a termite letter in Memphis before purchasing a new home, contact AAA Termite and Pest Control by calling (901) 737-7378 or contact us online.