Termites: The Hidden Demolition Crew
Across the Unites States termites are reported to cause over $5 billion in property damage. The problem with termites is their activity an go unnoticed until there is a serious problem. Termites can take residence in a property for 5 or 10 years or more before any damage is detected.
Termites entire from the ground through cracks in the foundation. Older homes with cinder block foundations, field stone foundations or foundations close to the ground are more vulnerable. Termites like to travel in darkness and will sneak through small cracks or create a mud tube to prevent the daylight from penetrating their tunnel. Once inside the wood, they work on the inside of the wood and from a visible inspection damage is not noticeable.
As a buyer, it is important to have a pest inspection done with your general home inspection to see if there is any evidence of termite damage past or present. Besides a visible inspection to detect mud tubes and visible damage an inspector will use a probe to see if there are any damaged areas. The sill plate of the home and the joists are the most likely areas, as they are closest to the ground. Even if damage is detected sometimes it is hard to determine how extensive the damages has been.
If a home does have some termite damage it is important to assess the damage and treat for the pests. Many times the damage is not structural and a good termite treatment will prevent any further damage.
Visit www.termite101.com for more information on how to detect termites, deter termites and termite treatments.