The termite colony nests in the ground below the land surface. Here the queen lays eggs and the attendant workers care for the young. From the nest, the workers burrow through the earth in search of food. Usually, several nests are located under or near an infested building, attacking different parts of the structure.
When the workers have to leave the earth to cross foundation walls or termite shields, they construct mud like tubes for protection. They can enter the structure through cracks or voids in the foundation or concrete slab floors without constructing visible tubes.
The workers first attack the understructure, eating along he grain of the wood until it becomes a honeycombed shell. The wood looks perfectly sound to the average person, since the termites rarely break through to its surface. However , the structure is weakened and eventually joists will start sagging.
Unchecked the termites continue into sub-floors, floors, studs, sheathing and molding. their silent, hidden destruction often goes undiscovered until very costly repairs are necessary. By this time the under-structure may be seriously damaged or expensive damage could have occurred to trim, finished walls, carpets or building contents.
Most termite damage is limited to the lower portion of the building , but in unusually heavy infestations the pests can damage window frames, ceilings and roof members.
Even with damage this extensive, only an expert can detect the presence of the termites. The only visible clue to the home owner may be the swarming of winged in spring or fall.
Undetected, termite often spread from the building to its contents. Books, carpets and any fibers containing cellulose are endangered, as well as the building itself. Since the major damage from a termite infestation is to the understructure of the building or to its contents, even a short term infestation can cause costly damage far out of proportion to the few portion of wood the termite eat. Only an expert can detect termite, and only an expert can take care of the problem. So call PEST O SEAL for an inspection and a year- round protection plan. |
