Water damage vs termite damage is quite confusing. Usually, the termite damage is taken as the water damage. As the termites’ infestation is in moisturized nests. Also, both of the problems result in a similar kind of outcome. Either the paint has peeled or there are bubble spots on the surface.
But the treatment for both the problems varies a lot. Some people even perceive the water damage to be a sign of termite damage. Though it looks similar they both are quite different.
Difference between water and termite damage
The element of moisture creates a lot of confusion between the water and termite damage. In the termite damage, various gallery points appear on the wood. Those points are actually the termite feed marks.
The presence of mud is a prominent difference. Termites use the mud as shelter, and that is why it is inside their nests. But mud is the source of moisture. And that creates confusion between water damage vs termite damage.
If the moisture is continuously getting to the wood, the water damage begins. The pace of the water damage speed varies. That depends on how much water the wood is soaking. The greater the amount of water, the higher the damage. Further, the damage can happen to a specific piece, or it may cover the entire wooden surface. Tropical areas experience water damage more than the dry regions.
Commonly termites are found in the woodwork that is touching the ground surface. That could be the door and window frames, a wood panel, drawers and cupboards. Moreover, the water damage could be located around the pipes. Such as the roofline, window panes that are constantly getting water splash and moisture.
Remedial step
The water damage vs termite damage could result in devastating impacts if not taken care of timely. Termites damage the wood from inside. They infest inside the wooden structure and begin to eat it. With the naked eye, they could be identified when the wood dust appears on the surface. However, the termite remedy experts use the thermal imagers to inspect the termite presence. That can save the wooden structure from collapsing.
Controlling water damage is difficult. As moisture, hew, and dew are unstoppable. Their access to the wood can only be minimized. There is no prevention, just the cure. In a way, the termite damage also does not have any prevention. And the damage termites have done is irrecoverable. But you can stop the termite infestation.
Additionally, the termites damage the wood faster than water. Termites can eat up the wood the entire day. In a way, that is their job to eat your wood and make you get the new one. And if you do not treat them, they will treat your wood. Initially, it is quite difficult to differentiate between water and termite damage. But for the experts it is quite easy.
So hire an expert immediately, if you have witnessed any abnormality in the wood material at your home or office.
Worried About Termite Damage? You Should be.
Usually, you don’t see termites or the damages they cause until it’s too late. In fact, the annual cost of termite damage to buildings in the US is more than $5 billion- greater than that of fires, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
The Best Solution? Sentricon® System
The Sentricon System starts protecting your property the minute it is installed. Termites are attracted to the bait and once consumed, lose the ability to eat, breed and survive.
The end result is the complete elimination of the colony, including the queen!