How Quickly Can Termites Ruin a House?
While there is no specific set amount of time it takes a colony of termites to ruin a house, a colony numbering 60,000 termites will eat roughly one foot of 2-by-4 wood every six months. Colony numbers and specific conditions will affect this time estimate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Conditions
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For a termite colony to succeed, several conditions that encourage its growth need to be present. Potential food sources include wood, papers, wallpaper and cellulose materials. In addition to food, it is important for termites to have a moist environment. Leaking homes or improperly drained regions are prone to termite infestation.
Signs
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Termites live underground, where the moisture of the earth keeps them from drying out. When members of the colony leave the nest to search for food, they build mud tubes along their route. These pencil-like tubes will be visible along exterior walls. You may also see swarms during the spring months while the earth and nearby food sources are moist. To check for termite damage in the home, look for wood that has hollowed out centers or honeycomb-like caverns because termites eat only the moist innards of wood.
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Prevention/Solution
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Termiticide is the most common way to kill existing termite colonies and prevent future ones from inhabiting the area. Hiring a licensed exterminator is easier and provides a better warranty because the process involves toxic chemicals and equipment designed to penetrate into the masonry and underground portions of the house. You can reduce your chances of termite infestations by keeping woodpiles and other food sources away from the house. Regularly inspect downspouts to keep water flowing away from the house. Seal gaps around the house with caulking or expandable foam to stop termites from entering the home.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bark image by Anton Baranovsky from Fotolia.com
