Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage to U.S. homes and businesses. Insurance often doesn’t cover the cost, leaving property managers and homeowners to pick up the pieces — literally and figuratively.
To minimize property damage and mitigate the risk of tenants developing medical issues, you should address any infestations immediately. Here’s how to manage a termite problem if you find these pests munching on your property.
1. Know the Signs
Realizing there is a problem is your first step toward solving it. Inspect your property regularly and check for signs of termite damage to catch any potential problems early and reduce repair costs. Outside the buildings, you might check for mud tubes, which serve as termite shelters as they travel to and from their nest. These tubes might also appear on pipes, siding, beneath flooring, and along exterior walls.
Additionally, look for cracked or bubbled paint. These might be signs of an infestation within the walls. Swollen floorboards will signal the same issue underneath a unit’s flooring. More obvious signs of termites include detached wings, insect droppings and dead or living specimens within the apartment. Termites dislike sunlight, so be sure to inspect closets, vents, bathtubs and cupboards closely.
2. Relocate Tenants
If you notice any of these red flags, it may be wise to hire an inspector to come take a look at the issue. They’ll likely be able to determine how serious the infestation is and how to remedy the problem. Either way, if the infestation is serious, you might consider pro-rating your tenants’ rent while you or the company exterminates them.
Property damage might not be the only thing you deal with, either. Sometimes, termites that prefer moist wood will release mold spores into the air as they chew. Those who are allergic to these spores may then suffer severe cases of asthma, fungal infections and even skin diseases like atopic dermatitis. For others with weak immune systems, mold can lead to serious infections of mucous membranes and be detrimental to their health.
3. Do It Yourself
Do you know how to manage a termite problem on your own? They aren’t easy to eliminate. However, if you’re determined to handle the issue yourself, there are several different methods you might use to kill these pests.
One involves using liquid insecticides in crawl spaces and around the exterior of the home to create a barrier. You could also apply this termiticide solution close to the nest, if you can find it, to effectively kill the entire colony. However, this usually involves drilling through decks and foundations.
Alternatively, you might use termite baits to knock out the population. These small lures contain poison that the insects eat and bring back to the nest to share with the colony. Eventually, the termites bring back enough poison to completely eradicate the entire colony, including the queen.
4. Leave It to the Pros
If the infestation is a big one, odds are good you don’t have much time to try DIY solutions that may or may not work. Plus, the longer it takes to get rid of termites, the more you’ll pay in tenant compensation. With this in mind, it may be best to hire a professional exterminator to manage the problem. After determining where the nest is and the level of infestation, they’ll decide on a treatment plan to quickly and effectively get rid of the pests.
This process often involves tenting the property. The exterminator will cover the building with sheets of plastic, trapping the pesticide inside and killing the entire colony in one fell swoop. While this option may be more expensive than handling the problem on your own, at least you’ll know the termites are truly gone.
5. Prevent Further Damage
Once your property is free of termites, you’ll naturally want to keep it that way. In the name of saving money and sparing yourself future headaches, here are a few things you can do to prevent another infestation:
- Keep up with maintenance: One of the best ways to prevent further damage is to promptly respond to maintenance calls and ensure your property is in good physical condition. Fix any issues — especially rot and mold — immediately.
- Improve airflow: Reduce moisture levels inside buildings by ensuring good airflow. Encourage tenants to use their air conditioner during the summer and a dehumidifier in their bathrooms.
- Use screens: If the complex’s windows and doors don’t have screens, you may want to install some. Doing this can help keep termites out — especially those with wings.
- Conduct inspections: Finally, conduct inspections on a regular basis to detect any warning signs of an infestation. Catching one early allows you to manage the issue without breaking the bank again.
Learning How to Manage a Termite Problem
Before buying another property, be sure to have it inspected specifically for evidence of a termite infestation. Once you’re sure there aren’t any of these nasty pests around, you can proceed with the sale worry-free.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
