Most of us like to think of ourselves as living in harmony with nature. That harmony, however, goes right out the window when household pests that include rats, termites, ants and others invade your home. These pests are not just unsanitary, they can actually cause severe damage to your personal possessions, your furniture and the home itself. For instance, carpenter ants alone can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 damage in an average infestation. The most common and costly pests in the country can include:
Rats, Mice and Other Furry Pests
California’s mild climate means the state is home to a wide range of destructive mammals that include several species of rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons and others.
These pests can contaminate and damage food, clothing and furniture. The damage they do to furniture might include chewing, clawing and leaving behind dangerous waste products. Rats can also chew electrical wires, which can mean expensive visits from an electrician.
They are also prone to doing damage to your home’s physical structure. Squirrel or raccoon damage, for instance, can leave your home vulnerable to leaks and wind damage. Left undetected for a season or more, the damage can be significant.
Insects and Home Damage
A study at North Carolina State University revealed a wide range of insect and insect-like invaders who plague individuals’ homes. During the study of 50 area homes, they identified 579 insect species from 304 different insect families.
Insects were found in nearly every home they examined. Of 504 rooms studied, only five showed no detectable insect presence. While some insects can be present in small numbers without causing any dangers or damage, the presence of others can be a cause for serious concern.
Insects can do damage to your home in a number of ways. Wood-boring insects can mean having to discard prized wooden or wood-frame furniture, often at a cost of thousands. Both carpenter ants and termites can bore into wood to make nests. The damage can often be severe enough to cause serious structural issues with the home. Termite damage costs averages a few thousand, however that number can vary widely based on the level of damage to the home.
Pest damage can even have an effect on your home insurance policy. One in five Americans, for instance, has either had a bed bug infestation or known someone who has. These infestations can be extremely costly and often require full replacement of bedding, clothing and soft furniture like couches and upholstered chairs. Many claims include damage from insects in furniture. If you have to file a claim for bed bug damage, you may find that your insurance premiums increase significantly. In some cases, you may find your homeowner’s insurance canceled altogether.
The good news is that, the sooner you catch an insect or rodent infestation, the less damage there will be. Acting decisively now can save you costly repairs in the future.
Have a pest problem? We can help. Call us for an appointment today.
