Termites can cause immense damage, and yet that damage isn't always as evident as you might imagine. It's perfectly possible for a homeowner to put their property on the market without even realising that termites are present, and it's equally easy for prospective buyers to view the place, make an offer, and get the keys without becoming aware of their unwanted guests.
Unfortunately, the damage done by termites will become noticeable eventually. Here are just a few ways they can destroy a home.
Structural Damage
By far the most serious problem created by a termite infestation is structural damage. This means that key parts of your home are compromised. Termites eat through wood, so they can damage anything made from timber. That accounts for subflooring, wall studs, ceiling supports, floor supports and more. These are vital for the structural integrity of your home; damage can make the home unsafe, and repair work can be both time-consuming and expensive.
Even if important structural geatures are somehow unaffected, you may notice swollen floors or ceilings. Windows and doors may stick, indicating that termites are tunnelling through their frames.
Furniture and Carpeting Damage
Though structural damage is serious, it's not the only type of damage you leave yourself open to when termites are present. Non-structural components can also be attacked. Your skirting boards, for example, are not necessary for structural integrity, but you don't want to have to replace them. Furniture can be eaten into and destroyed, and even carpets can be damaged.
Discoloration and Smell
There are ways that termites can destroy your home that go beyond physical damage. One of the most unpleasant things about these pernicious pests is that they deposit nasty faecal pellets. Those pellets are quite small, but then the number of termites in a colony can be huge, and termites actually use their faeces to block up passages and create tunnels. If they are allowed to thrive, termite faeces can discolour your walls, carpets, and furniture while creating a very unpleasant odour. Discoloration is often extensive enough to necessitate the replacement of paint, wallpaper, flooring, and furniture, even if their structure is unaffected.
You've probably developed a healthy respect for the damage a colony of termites can do to a home. As such, you'll understand the importance of sorting out a pest control property inspection before you sign on the dotted line. You'll then be able to negotiate with the buyer to have the problem sorted.
Share17 October 2017
Every year as soon as summer hits, the bugs come calling. We have a sandy soil and have a recurring issue with ants getting into every piece of food or moist area in the house. Sometimes they even chew through the packaging to get to our food! It drives me crazy. After trying every home remedy and insecticide in the shop, we decided it was time to call in the big guns and got some exterminators in. It was a really good move because we are finally rid of those pests. This blog is all about the best ways to get rid of ants.