With all the things that could potentially destroy your house, a termite infestation is not likely to be among your top concerns. Instead, you may be worried about flood damage due to a plumbing disaster or even damage due to a bush fire. However, what may surprise you is that termites are just as dangerous when it comes to the structural integrity of your house as long as it contains timber. Termite colonies can wreak unspeakable havoc and if not caught in time, could necessitate the demolition of the entire property. So how do you go about ensuring that you are not at risk? Considering how tiny these critters are and how adept they are at concealing themselves, it can be challenging to pinpoint an infestation with an untrained eye. Fortunately, the professionals can do this for you, as long as you enlist termite inspections services. Here is an outline on a couple of things that pest control specialists look for during a termite inspection.
Water content in timber products
Termites survive on cellulose and that is why they infest wood. But what is cellulose? In essence, this substance comprises plant matter and moisture. Therefore, termites cannot survive without a source of moisture and this is the first thing that the pest control specialists will look for when inspecting the timber products around your property. This water content is present in everything ranging from dying trees outdoors to structural timber products that did not cure sufficiently. Once the specialists have recorded taken the different readings, they will then investigate whether termites have indeed invaded the wood products.
The presence of mud tubes
If you are suspicious of a termite infestation around your home, you have probably surveyed your residence for troops of these insects marching around similar to ants. But it is unlikely that you will see them perambulating your property in this manner. Subterranean termites are highly vulnerable to dehydration when exposed to the sun directly. As a result, they will build tunnels that are made up of soil, saliva and timber particles to enable them to forage. Hence, rather than seeing a troop akin to ants, you will instead notice mud tubes. Mud tubes can be hard to spot in the beginning since they will be located in hard to access areas such as chimneys, attics and even basements. Hence, it is advisable to have pest control specialists come and carry out a thorough examination of the property. Take note, if the mud tubes are conspicuous, the termite infestation is likely widespread.
For more information, contact a termite inspection service today.