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Subterranean termites can do billions of dollars in damage each year. This species has a distinct advantage over other termites, because it can build and expand its colonies underground, while others have to deal with the limited space of the wood that they infest. Having underground colonies also means that subterranean termites can deploy a huge workforce as soon as they find a piece of wood, so they have a head start when it comes to the damage that they can cause.

The parts of the home that are usually targeted by subterranean termites

Virtually any piece of wood that is located on the lower half of the home can be infested by subterranean termites. This includes floors, foundations, drywall or sheetrock, roof supports, floor joists, wall studs, posts and support beams. From these pieces of wood, the infestation can then expand further into the home, even reaching the attic or the roof.

Detecting termite damage

Termites will eat wood from the inside out, and they will stay away from the edges. This makes detecting termite damage very hard, until it is extensive. When it is extensive however, the damage is very noticeable. You will start to see sagging floors or ceilings, wood that appears water damaged, and peeling paint on wooden surfaces. If left untreated, termite damage can actually result in the structural failure of the building, at which point, the repair costs become astronomical.

Preventing termite damage

While detecting termite damage early on is very difficult, you can take several steps to ensure that the damage does not happen in the first place. One of these steps is to have regular termite inspections performed by a pro. This method is guaranteed to catch termite infestations early on.

Once the infestation has been detected, control measures can be implemented. In the case of subterranean termites, there are only two viable options – the baiting station and the chemical barrier. The first method is slow acting, but it will destroy the colony that is responsible for the infestation. The second method is much faster, but it will only stop the infestation in the home, while the colony remains pretty much unaffected. Each option is suitable for its own set of circumstances, and a pro will advise you on which will work best in your case.

For more information on how to prevent and deal with termite damage, contact us today.