Like most people, you probably don’t think about termites very often. Unfortunately, many homeowners only become aware of the potential for a termite infestation when it’s too late.

Termites can cause significant damage to homes if they are not detected and treated early on. Some of the damage that termites can cause is quite visible, while other damage may not be readily apparent. Here are six home features that termites usually destroy.

1. Wood framing

Termites are attracted to wood, which is why they often target the wood framing of homes. If left unchecked, termites can destroy a home’s wood framing, causing the structure to collapse. They can do this by eating away at the wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin shell of wood on the surface.

Also, as they eat away at the wood, they create tunnels and chambers that weaken the overall structure. Hence, it is essential to have your home inspected for termites regularly. At Termite Inspections Gold Coast, we offer comprehensive termite inspections that can help identify an infestation before it damages irreparable damage.

2. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is another common home feature that termites like to eat. They will often start at the edges of a piece of wallpaper and work their way in, eating away at the paper as they go. Sometimes, they will even eat the glue used to hold the wallpaper in place.

This can cause the wallpaper to become loose and eventually fall off the wall. With enough time, termites can destroy all the wallpaper in a home, which can be a costly repair.

3. Ceilings

Another target for termites is ceilings. They will often enter a home through the roof and eat away at the wood supporting the ceiling. This can cause the ceiling to collapse, which can be dangerous for anyone inside the home.

In addition, as the termites eat away at the wood, they create tunnels and chambers that can weaken the overall structure of the ceiling. Whenever you notice any damage to your ceiling, it’s important to have it inspected for termites as soon as possible and repaired if necessary.

4. Floors

Termites can also damage floors, although this is not as common as some of the other homes’ features that they target. In most cases, termites will enter a home through the floorboards and then start eating away at the wood underneath.

This is worse in buildings with crawl spaces because the termites can go undetected for longer. Also, people living in homes with hardwood floors are more likely to notice termite damage because it’s easier to see.

If you have termites on your floors, you’ll need to have the affected area repaired as soon as possible. You can also prevent infestation by treating your floors with a termite-resistant coating.

5. Furniture

Furniture is also another easy target for termites. They often enter a home through small cracks and crevices and then eat away at the wood that makes up the furniture. Sometimes, they will even eat the fabric covering the furniture.

In worst-case scenarios, they can destroy a piece of furniture. Thus, inspect your furniture regularly for signs of termite damage and have any affected areas repaired or replaced immediately.

6. Walls

Walls are another common target for termites. They will enter a home through small cracks and crevices and then start eating away at the wood that makes up the walls. For instance, they may start at the baseboards and work their way up.

Also, as they eat away at the wood, they create tunnels and chambers that can weaken the overall structure of the walls. They can also attack window sills, door frames, and moldings. In the case of door frames and window sills, they can cause the frame to warp and eventually collapse.

Takeaway

Termites can be very destructive and cause a lot of damage to homes. It’s important to have your home inspected for termites regularly and repair any damage they may have caused. Some termite targets include wood, wallpaper, ceilings, floors, furniture, and walls.

In worst-case scenarios, they can destroy a piece of furniture or cause the ceiling to collapse. If you think you may have termites in your home, it’s important to have them inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Autobiography

Jim Pulman has extensive knowledge and experience in Home Building, Construction, and Design. He writes articles in his free time and partners with content creators to share his expertise with the online community