How Termites Can Damage Your Home

 Termites come in many shapes, sizes and forms. Different types of termites include Eastern subterranean, Formosan, Drywood and Eastern winged. Regardless of the form they take, termites have the ability to cause great damage and destruction to your home. This is because termites can…

1. Create fire hazards 

Yes, you read that correctly, termites can be the cause of fire hazards. How you wonder? Well, if your house has a roof or walls that are made out of wood, termites are more likely to infiltrate your home. This is particularly troublesome because termites feed on cellulose which is found in paper (yes, if you have a termite infestation, they can damage your bills and notes), crops and wood. So, if termites get a hold and access to the wooden features, they can begin to gnaw away at them, causing damage to them. If this continues, the wooden structures of your home will shift and eventually, plumbing and electrical systems might be disturbed due to the immense amount of pressure being placed on them. This of course can lead to gas lines rupturing and the ruination of electrical wires, which when combined, can lead to a fire hazard. 

2. Sustain and increase issues of mould

Additionally, termite infestations are usually linked with the prevalence of mould, as they are often found in the same places (i.e., spaces which have decaying or rotting wood). Similarly, to termites, mould thrives in areas with high amounts of cellulose. So, while termites do not create mould, they often exacerbate the issue. This is because termites increase the moisture levels within the home, making it the ideal breeding ground for mould. So, infestations of termites enable the growth of mould and help it spread to other parts of the house. This is particularly damaging to your home and health because mould can release spores into the air which negatively impact on your respiratory health. For instance, it can cause wheezing, coughing and even asthma attacks. Also, mould can cause structural damage to wooden features causing degradation. 

Now you may be wondering how to prevent and manage termite infestations. If you are, then A pest control Brisbane company could be the answer. Hiring pest control services is one of the easiest and most efficient methods for dealing with pests. They will not only save you time but also stress. Not to mention they are professionals so will be able to effectively deal with the termite problem and prevent it from occurring in the future. 

3. Shift the structure of your house 

As highlighted in the first point, the wooden structures within your house can shift due to termites. Consequently, cracks and fractures in walls may appear which are signs of compromising structural integrity. This can put pressures on windows and doors, making them difficult to open and shut. Furthermore, these cracks can serve as entry points for other pests, exacerbating the scale and intensity of the issue by creating even more problems.