Is Termite Control Worth It?

Termite Control: Is It Really Worth It?

Homeowners are faced with an array of ongoing home maintenance and repair costs: roof repair, lawn upkeep, leaking pipes, and more. With a long list of maintenance items to consider, it’s easy to put something like termite control on the back burner. Many homeowners end up wondering: should I really devote time, money, and energy to termite control?

On the one hand, termite control might seem like an unnecessary expense. Perhaps you’ve encountered a few bugs in your basement or attic, but aren’t even sure if they’re termites. Maybe you’ve noticed a small amount of damage to your home’s wooden structure, but assume that this is normal wear and tear. You decide that you’ll wait to see if ‘real’ damage occurs before taking action and ordering professional home termite treatment.

The reality is that home termite control is absolutely essential. Termites can quickly cause a devastating amount of damage to your home, resulting in costly repairs. Taking the necessary steps for termite inspection, control, treatment, and prevention can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Above all, if you think you might be dealing with termites, be sure to contact a professional home pest control company. Unlike some other forms of home pest control, termite treatment is complex and difficult, and should be left to the professionals.

The Expense of Termite Treatment

There’s no question: termite treatment can be expensive. Once you’re dealing with a serious termite infestation, completely eliminating the problem is often complicated and time consuming. There’s also the additional cost of home repairs to consider. Termites can cause many thousands of dollars in structural damage to your home, all of which will need to be accounted for.

Compared to the cost of treatment and repairs, an annual termite inspection is quick, easy, and affordable. With an annual inspection conducted by a professional, you’ll be able to catch a termite infestation before it gets out of hand, ensuring that you don’t end up with costly treatment and repair bills. Ongoing termite prevention can also reduce your risk of ending up with termites.

How Often Should I Get a Termite Inspection?

Homeowners often wonder how often they should get a termite inspection. Should it be part of a monthly pest control package? Do they need to order an inspection once every six months, or once every few years?

Typically, we recommend that homeowners receive an annual termite inspection -- that is, once per year.

How a Termite Inspection Works

When a home pest control professional conducts a termite inspection, they typically inspect the visible areas of your home for any evidence of termite damage. The technician will usually inspect both the interior and exterior of your home, including your crawlspace, basement, and attic.

A trained professional has the knowledge and experience necessary to detect the presence of termites, as well as assess the severity of an infestation if one exists. That’s why it’s important to receive a termite inspection from a professional, rather than attempting to conduct one yourself.

Consider Enrolling in a Termite Protection Plan

Here in South Carolina, termites are especially prevalent. Homeowners sometimes incur thousands of dollars in damage, despite their best attempts to control and treat for termites. With this in mind, it’s worth considering enrolling in a termite protection plan.

A termite protection plan is more than just a standard pest control plan. In addition to regular termite inspections and control as necessary, a termite protection plan will also include what’s called a ‘termite bond.’ This usually takes the form of an agreement between the homeowner and the pest control company. The pest control company agrees to check for termites regularly, treat any that are discovered, and pay for any damage that the homeowner might incur. This gives you peace of mind, ensuring that even if termites do cause any damage to your home, you won’t end up footing the bill.

Note that a ‘termite bond’ is different from a ‘termite letter.’ The latter is a statement from a professional which certifies that your home has been inspected for termites, and that no termites are present.

Professional Termite Control and Prevention

Taking the right steps for termite prevention is important, especially here in South Carolina. Because of our warm, humid climate, homeowners in South Carolina are at a higher risk of a termite infestation than those in other parts of the country.

First, it’s a good idea to reduce moisture in and around your home as much as possible. Without moisture, termites can’t survive. Other pests thrive in humid environments, too, which means moisture control is an excellent way to reduce your overall susceptibility to a variety of pest infestations. If you have a damp basement or crawlspace underneath your home, consider installing a dehumidifier. If you have leaking pipes, faucets, or other sources of water contributing to your home’s humidity level, be sure to address these individually.

Additionally, it’s worth taking the time to seal up your home as much as possible. Termites and other pests often enter your home through small cracks and crevices, and eliminating these points of entry will reduce your risk of an infestation. Check to see if any weather stripping around doors or windows needs replacing, and inspect your home’s foundation and basement for any cracks or openings to the outside.

At the end of the day, though, preventative measures may not be enough. If you’re already dealing with a termite infestation, it’s essential that you contact a pest control professional. Termite control and termite treatment require the help of a professional technician. Termites can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home, and can even threaten its structural integrity. If you’re wondering how to get rid of termites, the answer is simple: contact a professional company like Home Pest Control.

At Home Pest Control, we offer comprehensive termite control services at affordable prices. In addition to treating any existing termite issues you might have, our Home Shield Termite Protection gives you peace of mind knowing that you home is protected from future infestations. The Home Shield program includes $250,000 in termite damage coverage, as well as a $0 deductible.

Want to protect your home from more than just termites? With our Home Shield Premier Protection, you’ll get all the benefits of our Termite Protection program -- including $250,000 in damage coverage with no deductible -- as well as protection from other troublesome South Carolina pests. Our highly trained technicians at Home Pest Control only use safe, environmentally friendly pest control methods.

Worried you might have termites? Afraid your home is at risk of damage? We can help. Click here to schedule a termite inspection today.