Termites are tiny insects that may seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage to the structure of your house and its contents. This can lead to costly repairs if not detected and treated in time. To have your home remain termite-free take preventive measures such as hiring a termite control expert. Here are the different kinds of damage that termites can do:
Structural Damage
Termites are subterranean insects that feed on cellulose-based materials like wood and cardboard. When they infest a building, they tunnel through the wooden structures, consuming the cellulose and leaving behind a network of tunnels and galleries. This can compromise the structure’s overall strength, making it more vulnerable to collapse.
The signs of termite damage can include hollowed-out wood, sagging floors or ceilings, and visible mazes or tunnels in the walls. You may also notice tiny holes in the drywall or piles of sawdust or termite droppings in or around your property.
If a termite infestation is left unchecked, it can seriously affect your property. Termite-damaged wood is also more susceptible to fire, moisture, and other forms of damage, putting your property at risk.
Furniture Damage
Wooden furniture and fixtures, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and bookshelves, are appealing to termites. They can weaken or destroy the wooden components causing the furniture’s structural integrity to be compromised.
Termites can cause aesthetic damage to your furniture, which can be costly. They burrow into the wood, leaving behind tunnels. This can create an uneven surface and a rough texture that can be difficult to refinish.
Termites can pose health risks to you and your family. Their feces and tunneling can release harmful substances, such as mold and bacteria, into the air. Inhaling these substances can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.
If you own a business, termite damage to your furniture can impact your brand’s reputation. Customers may question your commitment to hygiene and cleanliness, causing them to take their business elsewhere.
Paper Damage
Termites can cause significant damage to paper-based products, including books, documents, wallpaper, and cardboard boxes. They feed on the cellulose in the paper, causing it to become thin, discolored, and brittle. This damage can range from small holes to the destruction of the paper product.
The consequences of termite damage to paper can be severe. In addition to losing the paper product, there can be financial, historical, and sentimental losses. If a termite infestation damages a historical document, it could result in losing imperative information that cannot be replaced.
Electrical Damage
Termites can tunnel through electrical wiring, which can cause electrical short circuits and lead to fires, electrocution, and other severe risks. This damage can often go unnoticed until it’s too late and can cost many repairs.
If you suspect that termites have caused electrical damage, contact a licensed electrician immediately. They can inspect the wiring and make any necessary repairs. Have a termite control professional inspect the area for termites and eliminate any active termites.
Insulation Damage
Termites can damage your home’s insulation extensively, making it less effective and causing higher energy bills. They can eat through insulation, causing it to break down and leave holes in the walls and ceilings, which can also affect the air quality in your home. This can result in serious respiratory problems, especially for people with allergies or asthma.
Landscaping Damage
Termites can eat through the root systems of trees and shrubs, causing them to die and leaving unattractive dead spots in your lawn. The tunnels they make in the soil can also cause dirt to collapse and create unsightly depressions in your yard.
Work With Termite Control and Prevention Experts
To prevent termite damage, conduct regular inspections of your inside and outside property. Keep any wooden parts of your property, such as decks or fences, well-maintained and painted. Try to reduce the moisture around your property by repairing any leaking pipes or faucets.
If you do have termites, don’t try to eliminate them yourself. Call a termite control expert to assess the situation and handle it for you. They will provide a comprehensive action plan to eliminate the infestation and repair any damage caused.
