Can You Patch Termite Damage?

Termites can be extremely problematic for homeowners as they can inflict serious damage to anything made out of wood. Therefore, you need to act fast if you suspect these pests are invading your home.

Termite damage to homes can be minor or invasive, and in a worst-case scenario, untreated termite infestations can completely destroy a house from the inside out.

If you have recently experienced termite infestation in your house, you might be wondering if it is possible to simply patch the damage. So keep reading as we look closely into whether or not you can repair termite damage to your home and how to deal with it.

Common Signs of Termite Damage

Before we discuss whether patching up the damage is the right way to go, you need to understand what to look for when it comes to termite damage in your home.

It is not always straightforward to detect termites as they are experts at avoiding detection. Subterranean and formosan termite species can access the wooden frame and other features of your house from underground. While other species, like drywood temites, can silently consume timber within the beams and remain ”invisible” until it is too late.

The signs of extensive termite damage are not always obvious, but there are some indicators that your home or yard has been invaded by these pesky insects. Hidden and outward signs of damage include:

• Visible mud tunnels that look like mazes on walls, foundations, or furniture.
• Noticeable pin-sized holes on wooden surfaces.
• Blistered wall paint and/or warped ceilings, swollen floors and ceilings, buckling wood.
• Floor creaks excessively, is suddenly shaky, or sags in unusual places.
• The wooden surface makes a hollow sound when tapped.
• Timber that is soft to the touch and can be easily pierced.
• Places that seem to suffer from minor water damage.
• Doors that are tight and jamming, or windows that stick.

Termite infestation can also give off a moldy or musty odor that lingers throughout your house.

Also, if you notice flying termites or their discarded wings in your home, it indicates that there’s a nest somewhere on your property. At this time, it is advised to involve a professional pest exterminator who can carry out an inspection.

Can Termite Damage Be Fixed Or Patched?

There’s no need to panic if you spot signs of termite activity on your property, but you should get the problem under control as soon as possible. In most cases, termite damage can be fixed but it’s critical to act quickly at the first sign of infestation. Before you even start thinking about repairs, first have a termite treatment done by a professional, and ensure the pests are eradicated completely. Once they’re under control, you can then assess the extent of the damage and make plans for repairs.

So you can patch termite damage but the repair method will depend mainly on how much damage the pests have caused to the wood. If the damage is minor, you could either remove and replace the destroyed piece of wood or wooden surface with a new one. It’s best if you replace the damaged element with termite-resistant wood. Just remember to dispose of the damaged, termite-infested wood safely.

Alternatively, you may reinforce the injured timber with additional supporting boards. Keep in mind that this option is more cost-effective, especially if you hire a professional builder.

However, if the destruction from termites is more extensive, it will most likely require tearing out and replacing the entire structure altogether.

If you prefer to do the renovation and repair the termite damage yourself, it’s up to you. Just be 100 percent sure that every single termite has been eradicated and that there’s no threat of further infestation in the future. For this, a licensed pest control technician should confirm that there are no more termites present in your home.

If you’re not confident in your ability to handle this task, your best bet is to call in a professional termite repair expert who can evaluate and recommend the right repair options that will meet your home’s needs. Chem Free Exterminating offers custom wood repairs by trained and licensed specialists who can carry out the work for you.

In a nutshell, termite damage is curable and can be reversed through professional repairs, or DIY repairs in case of minor damage.

You shouldn’t freak out as soon as you realize there’s a small infestation but the key to eliminating a termite problem is catching it early. If these nightmare bugs infest your home, they can inflict heavy damage and even cause major structural damage over time.

So don’t hesitate to contact our experienced and knowledgeable technicians at Chem Free Exterminating in Orange County, California. They will be happy to provide more information on our termite control and removal services, and how to deal with termite damage.