If you were a termite, that would be the call you have been waiting for. The word goes out that it is not even necessary to B.Y.O.W. (Bring Your Own
Wood), who cares if anyone is home, there’s plenty to eat and the termite party will continue until the crash.
And the crash will occur if the party continues unnoticed for an extended period of time. Termite damage caused by concealed termites can result in substantial structural damage if left unchecked. When your home inspector conducts the inspection, the home inspection engineer should check thoroughly for evidence of termites; your mortgage lender will ask for a clear termite certificate. If termites are uncovered, a termiticide (anti-termite chemical) treatment or termite baiting system will be required to end the party and a licensed professional engineer can design a repair procedure for the damaged structure.
There are different types of termites, we’ll limit this article to subterranean termites, that is, those species that make their home in the ground near a source of moisture, warmth, and wood. Subterranean termites send their workers to find food for the colony, starting in the lower portions of the home; when food (any cellulose containing material) is found, the party begins and damage is inflicted upon the home. Termite tastes vary, they will feed not only on the wooden framing of the home, they also enjoy wooden flooring materials, and sub-flooring. Appetizers can include, paper on sheetrock walls, newspapers, magazines and just about anything that contains cellulose.
There are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of a termite infestation. Be sure that there is no wood to earth contact of any portions of the home, do not allow wooden landscape chips in flower beds to contact the siding of the home. Keep leaders and gutters clean and free flowing to reduce the moisture content in and about the home. Some homes carry a much higher risk of termite infestation, for example, slab on grade homes with radiant floor heating are a natural breeding ground for termites; if you own a home with radiant floor heating, periodic inspections by a competent exterminator is a prudent maintenance procedure.
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