How Dangerous are Termites to Your Home and Health?

If you have noticed piles of sawdust on the floors and window sills, discolored portions of drywall, and droppings, termites may have settled in your house. Termites are known as silent destroyers because they can compromise your home’s structural integrity without being detected for years. Once detected, the termite problem may have gotten out of hand with your home needing costly repairs. 

Aside from the damage that termites cause to your home, they may also pose serious health risks to people. As a homeowner, you must know when to call experts at greenpestservices.net to have your home treated for termites and understand the harmful impacts of termites. Also, these experts can advise on the steps you can take to prevent future infestations. 

How Termites Can Damage Your Property

Termites are destructive pests that can infest homes. They can cost you a significant amount of money in repairs. In fact, they can even destroy a house when not dealt with promptly. Termites can make your house dangerous to live in as they consume through wooden support beams. 

Sadly, a lot of homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover termite damage. The reason is that such damage is preventable through routine maintenance. However, a lot of homeowners fail to realize they have a termite issue until they discover significant property damage. Usually, termites climb through damp wood near the foundation. Once they are inside, they stay within walls without being detected. Once termites have chewed through to your home’s interior, they may have done serious foundation and structural damage. 

How Termites Affect People’s Health

Although termites do not bite, they break up wood before they ingest it using their strong pincers. This is beneficial for their digestion. For homeowners, this is sad news because this makes it easier for the pests to destroy wooden structures. 

In addition, termites can pinch you with their pincers. The pinch can be quite painful and lead to burning, itching, and swelling. Although termites are not known for transmitting diseases to people, they pose indirect risks to human health. 

Moreover, termite feces can be an issue. They can cause coughing, sneezing, and flu-like symptoms when inhaled. When termite frass comes into contact with your skin, you can have rashes and hives. Also, as termites are drawn to damp, moist areas, they can spread mold and mildew. These pests eat through the wood that mold and mildew affect, spreading the spores throughout your house. Mold can speed up damage to your house. Mold spores have negative effects on the respiratory system, particularly in sensitive people or those who have a compromised immune system. 

Termite Prevention Tips

To protect your home and yourself against termites, below are steps you can take:

• Get rid of soiled wood. Subterranean termites are drawn to areas where wood has directly come into contact with soil. To ensure this does not happen, ensure there is an inch gap between the soil and wooden structures.  
• Ensure water does not accumulate near the foundation. Mold and mildew growth can happen when there is water damage near the foundation. Also, this creates damp and humid environments that attract termites. To prevent this, create enough ventilation and drainage underneath the house and in crawl spaces. 
• Check your home for signs of termite activity. Detecting signs of a termite issue early can save you money in home damages. Perform the inspections when termites swarm to create new colonies. 
• Store excess wood away from your house. Wood stored near or underneath your home will draw termites to your property. Also, use mulch and wood chips sparingly. Consider pest-resistant wood such as cedar and redwood.