What Do Termites Damage?

Termite damage is a potential risk for any type of wood, regardless of its source. Subterranean termites are especially prone to infesting wood that touches the soil. In Suffolk County and Nassau County, termites can invade both outdoor and indoor structures. Areas commonly affected include:

Wall Studs: Wall studs are vertical framing members in walls that can be compromised by termites, leading to weakened structural support.
Posts: Posts are vertical supports in structures like decks and fences that can suffer termite damage, weakening their ability to bear weight.
Support Beams: Support beams are horizontal structural elements that can be eaten away by termites, causing a loss of stability in the building.
Insulation: Termites can damage insulation by tunneling through it while searching for wood, potentially affecting its efficiency and compromising home comfort.
Wooden Decks: Wooden decks are vulnerable to termite infestations, especially if in contact with the ground, leading to deterioration of the wood over time.
Sheds: Sheds made from wood can be infested by termites, damaging the structure and compromising its safety and function.
Lumber: Lumber stored near your home or used in construction is at risk of termite damage, which can lead to decay and structural weakness.
Outdoor Furniture: Outdoor furniture made of wood can be damaged by termites, leading to weakened joints and a loss of stability or appearance.

Why Do Termites Infest Wood?

Since termites rely on cellulose found in wood for survival, homes, which are primarily made of wood, are often at risk of infestation. Once they enter your home, termites can damage key components such as insulation, windows, baseboards, floorboards, ceilings, drywall, support beams, and walls. Outdoors, they may infest patio furniture, roof tiles, firewood piles, and decaying wood.

Termite-Resistant Materials

Termites are commonly associated with wood, but can they also infest metal or other construction materials? The good news is that some materials, including certain types of wood, are resistant to termites, such as:

Redwood/Cedar: Naturally, redwood and cedar have some resistance to termites, though decay or rot can still draw them in.
Treated Lumber: By treating lumber, it becomes more resistant to rot and less attractive to pests, making it a popular choice in new construction.
Cement/Concrete: Termites cannot consume cement or concrete since these materials don’t contain cellulose, but they can enter through tiny cracks.
Metal: Metal doesn’t provide cellulose for termites to feed on, making it an unsuitable material for them to infest.

Termite Damage in Your Suffolk County & Nassau County Home

Certain termites are prevalent in Suffolk County and Nassau County and are particularly drawn to homes. By the time termite damage is visible, an infestation could already be well-established. Working with a professional exterminator is an effective way to keep termites at bay, as they have the expertise to find and eliminate them before they cause significant harm.

Call Suburban Exterminating today for reliable and professional termite extermination assistance.

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