Tales of Termite Damage

Tales of Termite Damage

Termites can be a major problem for home and business owners, causing significant damage to the structure of a building if left untreated. Thompson Brothers Exterminating and Waterproofing (TBEW) has seen firsthand the destruction that termites can cause to businesses and homeowners and we're here to help.

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Why Are Termites a Threat to Homeowners?

Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can infest a home. They have the ability to cause extensive (and costly) damage to structures, their foundations, furniture and other objects both in and outside your home. Termites feed on organic materials like wood, paper, and other cellulose-based items, such as your building’s foundation and walls.

In order to help your home fight the battle against Termites, we’re focusing on three steps:

• Termite Inspection
• Termite Damage Treatment
• Termite Prevention

Termite Inspection 

To perform a thorough termite inspection in your home, it’s easiest to start with looking for termite damage, as termites themselves are small and can easily be overlooked. 

Termite Characteristics

Examples of things to look for include small piles of sawdust, holes, tunnels or trails visible in or on wood, walls or floors, and dead termites or wings near windows or doors. You should also look for water damage and cracks in foundation walls. If you find any signs of termites, call an expert to help with termite control and prevention measures as soon as possible.

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Termite Damage Treatment

If the damage is already done, it’s still not too late to save your home! Our professionals at Thompson Brothers are trained to spot termites and calculate their behavior in order to exterminate them. Once the source of the damage is gone, we’ll repair the damages caused by termites, such as:

Fixing Termite Damage in Wooden Beams and Joists

One common scenario we see is termites attacking the wooden beams and joists that support the floors and walls of a home. These insects can tunnel through wood, weakening it and making it more prone to collapse. To fix this type of damage, TBEW would first remove the termites and then repair or replace the damaged wood. Each step is carefully discussed with the homeowner before action is taken.

Replacing Rotten and Weakened Wood Caused by Termites

Another scenario we often encounter is termites damaging the siding of a home. These insects can burrow into the wood, causing it to rot and become weak. To fix this type of damage, we’ll exterminate the termites to then be better able to examine the damage. In some scenarios we can repair the damages, or build support for the existing wood. However, it may be necessary to completely replace the damaged siding.

Repairing Termite Damage in Your Foundation

A third scenario we've encountered is termites damaging the foundation of a home. In their search for food and nesting opportunities, they burrow into the concrete, causing it to become weak and prone to cracking. This type of damage is important to get fixed right away, as it’s what’s holding your house together. Depending on the damage, we can repair the foundation or reinforce it if it isn’t damaged too badly. 

Preventing Termite Damage with Waterproofing

While termite damage can be costly to repair, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent it from occurring in the first place. One of the most effective methods is to install a termite barrier around the foundation of the home. This can be a physical barrier, such as a metal or plastic sheet, or a chemical barrier, which involves applying a chemical treatment to the soil around the foundation. 

Even with a termite barrier in place, we recommend performing regular termite inspections to make sure your home is safe.

In addition to termite barriers, proper waterproofing is also essential for preventing termite damage. Water can seep into the wood in a home, making it more attractive to termites and other wood-damaging insects. By waterproofing the foundation and exterior walls of a home, the house will become a less attractive spot for these insects.

In conclusion, termite damage can be a major problem for homeowners, but with the help of TBEW and the use of termite barriers and proper waterproofing, it can be prevented. Don't wait until it's too late – if you suspect you have termites, or if you want to take steps to prevent termite damage, give us a call today.

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