How Termites Ruin Your Home
WouterIf you live in an area where termites are common, you know how damaging they can be. They can wreck your home by eating through wood. The wood that they eat will warp and buckle. This makes it hard to open doors and close windows. The damage can also affect other areas of your house.
If you find that there are signs of termite damage, it is important to call an exterminator to get rid of them. A full-scale infestation can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair.
Termites are known to consume cellulose. This means that they are attracted to the wood in your home. They can eat through floors, joists, cabinets, and shelves. They also tunnel through wood and glass door frames. If you notice wood that appears sunken in or that is soft, it is a sign that you have a termite infestation.
The damage caused by termites can be slow to show up. It may take three to eight years for the damage to be visible. However, you can begin to detect signs of an infestation early. If you see cracks in walls, paint bubbling or sawdust near the floor boards, you should have a professional inspect your home.
You should also pay attention to the presence of termite tubes. These are visible around your foundation or around water pipes. They are channels of cellulose. If you see a large number of these tubes, it is a sign that you have an active infestation.
