Article
How Termites Can Damage Your House (And the Costs to Repair It)
Published November 7, 2011
When it comes to damages caused by pests in your home, termites emerge among the most destructive. Mistakenly, many people think that termites feast on wood. The truth is that termites break down wood material through their saliva which is laden with enzymes. The bad news about all this termite business is that they are usually found in most climatic conditions which then imply they are hard to keep at bay. As if that is not enough, termites are usually housed in colonies where they breed and increase as if they have been commanded to multiply and fill the earth. It is due to such circumstances which have made people turn to Phoenix pest control companies to alleviate the issue.
When it comes to damages in your house, there are a few signs that you should look for to be sure you are under the attack of termites. This will not only help you to narrow down on the problem, but you will also be able to determine the right remedy depending on the cause. One of the telltale signs that termites have invaded your home is presence of termite tubes. Such tubes will be located along the exterior wall of your house. Termite tubes may also be located inside the house in such places as beneath the carpet, baseboards and even on the dry wall.
On the extreme side of things, these pests can build huge nests in big mounds especially in the field or wooded sections. While these signs will give you proof that termites are in your residence, it is still quite hard to gauge the extent of their invasion. This is because of the fact that termites roam beneath the ground surface and thus behave like an iceberg which only appears as a tip above the water surface.
When it comes to the damage caused by termites, this can be classified as minor or major. Minor damages usually consist of such things as destruction resulting from termite tubes either on the interior wall or outside. This will usually be dealt with by using a brush to dust it off. You might also consider using the brush in conjunction with some water and a detergent. In addition, a touch of paint will return your wall to its former glory.
When it comes to major damages, you could find that the entire drywall has been extensively damaged. This could even include additional wooden structures in your home which have to be replaced. When it comes to repairing the major damages, the cost could very well escalate to thousands of dollars. This is why you should always ensure that you repair any minor damage you find in your home before it gets too late.
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About the Author
I am a published author who has experienced and read widely on pest control and pest damages especially in such affected areas as Phoenix and Arizona. The articles are to provide you with useful information on how to detect pests and exterminate them effectively.