Termites are as tiny as ants, but when they function as one, they may possibly cause billions of dollars in damage. In the United States, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damages every year, says National Pest Management Association. And in fact, more than four million houses in the US are at risks of termite infestation annually.
Either way, termites do not only cause superficial damage. Actually, they eat most parts of your house including:
- Walls studs
- Ceiling joints
- Posts
- Floor Joists
- Support beams
To reduce the cost of a termite damage, early detection of signs of infestation is needed. But unluckily, detecting their presence can be a challenging task especially if don’t have an idea what does termite damage look like.
If you want to know what does termite damage like then keep on reading this article.
What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
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- Ceiling Damage
Normally, this type of damage starts when termites gain access to beams or roof joists. Also, with this termite damage issues with fixtures and electric wiring may possibly occur.
- Termite Damage on Foundation
Here, you see damage made by termites. This is the evidence that termites are making their way to your house thru your house’s foundation.
- Wall Damage
If the eating has been on long enough you may possibly discover this kind of damage.
- Drywood Termite Damage
A normal look of damage from drywood termites.
Signs of Subterranean Termites Damage
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Often, signs of subterranean termite damage go unnoticeable because these termites work under the wood surface.
However, some indications that there is a subterranean termite damage are the following:
- Winged termites flying near your doors and windows
- Mud-lined and open channels in a weak lumber
- There are mud tubes spreading from the soil to the wood.
Not until the swarms are fully-blown subterranean termite interior damage might not become obvious. Sometimes, termite damage looks like water damage.
Swollen ceilings and floors and buckling wood, are common outside signs of subterranean termites. Also, they smell like mold or mildew.
On the other hand, these species of termites get into food sources that are above the ground using mud tunnels. These tunnels are made from the termites’ feces, saliva, and mud which can be found close to the infested homes foundation.
Signs of Drywood Termites Damage
Drywood termites build their feeding galleries and eat all of the wood or casing the wood’s surfaces. For that reason, you can identify the damage caused by drywood termites by being nearly fully eaten with only a thin and rippled layer of coated surface left unbroken.
Even so, the signs of this damage will only become visible if the colony is already dug in infected stuff. Also, this damage is commonly seen in antique furniture. Though, it may also appear in walls, floors, and even new pieces of furniture, doors, and windows.
Video About Termite Damage To Houses
Carpenter Ant Damage vs Termite Damage: What’s The Difference?
Carpenter ants and termites are both insects that have the ability to destroy wood in their unique and own ways. One consumes wood, while the other one builds its home in wood structures by making holes.
Either way, keep on reading and find out what’s the difference of carpenter ants damage and termites damage.
- Termites Damage
Termites can nourish on any kind of wood. However, these insects are strained to wood that is damaged with water. Unless they feed in a moist shaded area or moist ground, termites, on, do the majority of their work on wood (inside).
Aforementioned, termite damage is quite similar to water damage, bubbling wallpaper, dripping ceiling, sagging floors, and bulging walls.
Termites can cause serious damage to our homes especially if you didn’t get rid of them immediately.
- Carpenter Ants Damage
Carpenter ants prefer the type of wood which has been unstiffened through water damage. However, these insects are more capable of eating over sound wood since they set tunnels systems and galleries.
Actually, this damage is commonly done inside of the wood. But these insects can grind on outside exposed wood as well.
Carpenter ants damage have several visual traits. For instance, if you notice any wooden structure that has been chipped or scrapped, you’re certain that these insects are the real culprit.
Damage created by carpenter ants isn’t as serious as the destruction made by termites. However, carpenter ants coats might cause significant damage as the years passed by. Because, as the total of individuals in a colony raises, they’ll keep on expanding over the wood that leads to further damage.
Home Insurance and Termite Damage: Will I Get Paid?
Homeowners insurance is specifically designed to cover damage and risks which are sudden and accidental. Even so, insect damage like termite damage isn’t included in homeowners insurance. It means, as for the termite damage to your house you have to pay on your own.
The reason why homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover termites’ damage is that it can be prevented.
Either way, there are two cases in which your home insurance will cover damage made by termites.
- First, when your home collapses entirely from termites.
If your home collapsed because of hidden insect damage, you will get paid. However, there are some conditions that you need to meet. When the guarantors said “collapse” the building should be broken to pieces. However, collapse doesn’t include bowing, sagging, expansion, bulging, shrinking, or cracking.
Furthermore, termites must be out of sight and brought the damage practical damage ahead of time. But, if you already know that there’s infestation and did not prevent it, the insurer may not support you.
- Second, the cause of damage is something you are covered for.
One of the main grounds of termites is moisture in homes. However, if the moisture is caused by water damage, leaking pipe for actually, your home insurance might cover you. But before you receive the compensation, the insurer will check the cause thoroughly.
Conclusion
Termite damage is something that every homeowner should not ignore. However, in order to avoid serious damage, knowing what termite does damage look like and its sign is very important.
On the other hand, if you notice some signs it is best to fix it as soon as possible. Better yet, hire a professional termite inspector as this person is knowledgeable when it comes to termites. Also, if you have a homeowner insurance you need to check if the damages made by termites are covered.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. Your article helped me to spot damage that termites made to my property early and to fix it quickly. Thanks once again
Dean, I’m glad to hear that you were able to avoid costly repairing from termites. You’re always welcome!