Extensive Termite Damage
Termites are proof that size has nothing to do with what you can do. Unfortunately, what tiny termites can do is a lot of damage, particularly to wood and structures that have an impact to human economy and life. It is estimated that termites can cause over a billion dollars in property damage annually, far more than fires or floods combined can. Extensive termite damage is not only very expensive, it is also capable of destroying many things we consider precious - our homes, irreplaceable objects, old structures, ancestral estates, historical buildings, etc.
The truth behind the pest
As insects, termites make for very fascinating study. Unfortunately, they are capable of such extensive damage that they are unwelcome anywhere else humans are present. These pests are very prolific, capable of building two to four colonies in just one home. Experts even estimate that over 10 subterranean colonies can exist for every acre of soil, with each colony accommodating a few hundred thousand individuals. And that’s for one small colony alone. Larger colonies are known to house more.
The problem with termites is that their main food is wood. That’s one material that is found in every home and not just on floors, walls, ceilings or furniture. They are also capable of sniffing out wood material - which is cellulose-based - that is found in cardboards, boxes, notebooks and books.
If you have something in your house that is made of wood or is sourced from wood, there’s a high likelihood that termites will get to it if you let them. Worse, they can even leave chemical traces that tell other termites exactly where to find it.
How to detect termite damage
Extensive termite damage is unmistakable. Old buildings and homes, for example, are usually prime examples of the kind of damage termites are capable of doing. Wood beams, floorboards, slabs and walls are pockmarked with holes. If you tear the upper layer of the wood material, you will find even more damage - hollowed out crevices that run along the wood grain.
You will also find the common signs of termite presence, such as: bubbled paint on wooden surfaces, tiny holes on walls, windows and other wood materials, mud tunnels running alongside your home’s foundation, powdery wood, shavings or pellets found near windows, doors, furniture, bookcases, etc. Insect wings near windows and doors are also a sign that termites are nearby.
Extensive termite damage can also appear harmless. On the surface, wood can look perfect and untouched but it may be hollow inside - a very dangerous situation if you’re using these damaged wood for floorboards or foundation. They could give out at any time and cause accidents.
Extensive termite damage to your home not only destroys it little by little, it also decreases its market value. Should you wish to sell your home, the appraised value may be considerably lower than you expected. Extensive termite damage is also bad for business, driving customers away from the establishment. It will also require a lot of money for repair or materials replacement.
What to do in case of extensive termite damage
The problem with termites is that by the time you discover what they’ve done, they’ve probably already damaged far more than what appears on the surface. If this happens, it’s important to seek professional advice immediately in order to schedule your home for a proper inspection and implement control. Depending on the assessed damage, exterminators will propose a system made up of products and solutions that will bait, kill or discourage termites from inflicting further damage.