Termites consume a variety of cellulose, organic materials including the wood present in your walls. If you find holes or cavities within your walls this might mean that there are termites present. Walls are particularly susceptible to termite damage because they are easily accessible from the ground and they have a good amount of surface area.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites live within the soil mud mounds. They are able to access above-ground food sources via tunnels that the worker termites construct from saliva, mud, and feces. Walls can be very attractive to subterranean termites if they are in direct contact with soil and not separated by the foundation. Because walls often extend below the soil surface and beyond eye level wall damage can go unnoticed for long periods of time.
Walls Easiest Food Source for Termites
Since walls form the outside of your house and are the first barrier from the elements, the surface area of walls exposed to soil is generally larger than any other part of a home. This large surface area can be very appealing to termites as a food source. Many termites are able to feed on this same piece of wood without having to travel and forage too far from the colony.
Because walls are often the first food source termites come into contact with they are usually the part of the home that suffers the most damage. Because walls are often thinner than ceilings or floors, an infestation can spread more quickly, thus severely compromising the strength of walls. It makes sense that cheaper materials, such as laminated plywood or particle board, are often destroyed quickly because they are softer and easier to break down.
Termite Damage is Preventable
Termite damage done to walls can be prevented through the use of correct building materials such as treated wood. Also having a pest control professional pretreat the home and scheduling regular termite inspection by a termite control specialist can help ensure your home stays termite free.
Chandler Pest Control
Contact Info:
2040 S ALMA SCHOOL RD, STE 1
CHANDLER, AZ 85286-7075
(480) 582-1219
