Termite Wall Damage
Holes and cavities within walls can indicate the presence of termites. Walls are particularly susceptible to termite damage for a number of reasons: they are accessible from the ground, their surface area is considerable and they are thinner than other surfaces within a home.
Wall Damage
Subterranean termites live within the soil and access aboveground food sources through tunnels that workers construct of saliva, mud and feces. Walls can attract subterranean termites if they are in direct contact with soil. Wall damage also tends to go unnoticed for long periods of time, as it may begin so far below eye-level.
The surface area of walls exposed to soil is generally larger than other parts of a home. This large surface area appeals to termites as a food source, as many insects can feed on the same piece of wood without having to travel and forage too far.
Termites cause more damage to walls than to most other parts of infested homes: because walls are thinner, an infestation spreads more quickly and severely compromises the strength of walls. Cheaper materials, such as laminated plywood or particle board, are often rapidly affected.
Walls damaged by termites are generally considered unusable. However, this type of termite damage to walls can be prevented. By choosing the correct materials and having a pest control professional pre-treat wooden walls and panels with termite repellents, your home may remain termite-free.
Termite and Real Estate Transactions
