STRUCTURAL PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY TERMITES

Contrary to popular belief, wooden structures aren’t the only ones that feel the damage when it comes to termites.  Termites travel behind many types of unusable material such as metal or plaster in order to reach usable materials inside such as walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets, boxes etc. Termite activity can be difficult to identify until the signs of obvious damage have occurred, and it is advisable that homeowners should contact a pest management professional before trying to address a termite problem.

Holes, cavities, or impressions in the walls are another part of termite identification. Because walls take up a large area and accessible from the ground, walls can be used as pathways further into a structure. An exterior wall that comes into direct contact with soil is in danger of becoming an access point for termite activity. Termite damage within the walls is often unnoticed and can progress rapidly, and because walls are usually thinner and easier for an infestation to affect, termites can quickly and cause severe compromise to the strength of a wall.

The pest management professional can help you identify termite damage to the underlying flooring, wood trim, supports or other areas which are often misread as water damage.  Laminate flooring may bubble or sag in the affected area. Upon closer examination, you may find elaborate networks of tunnels discovered that lead to infested areas throughout the structure. When the damage becomes severe, the only repair option may be to rip up the flooring and lay down new floor.  Scheduling an annual termite inspection will help avoid costly repairs caused by termites.