What Do Termites Damage?
Termites can invade and damage any wood source nearby, particularly when it’s in direct contact with soil, making your property vulnerable to subterranean infestations. In Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, termites target both indoor and outdoor structures, often causing the most harm to:
- 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?
Termites depend on cellulose in wood to survive, which puts wood-based structures like homes at risk of infestation. Inside, they can damage critical elements such as insulation, windows, baseboards, and support beams, while outdoors, they may target items like patio furniture, roof tiles, and decaying wood.
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Termite-Resistant Materials
Though termites are notorious for attacking wood, can they also damage metal or other building materials? Thankfully, some materials, including certain kinds of wood, are resistant to termite infestations, 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 Michigan’s Lower Peninsula Homes
Cellulose is essential for a termite’s survival. In areas like Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, subterranean termites target wood in contact with the soil. They can cause significant damage if left untreated, as they often go unnoticed until the damage becomes severe. To avoid the headaches of termite damage, consider working with a professional termite exterminator such as Griffin Pest Solutions.