The dangers of having termite damage in crawl space cannot be overemphasized. Allowing these pests to thrive for long attracts huge costs of maintenance and even repair.
A crawl space is an unoccupied, narrow space within your building, that is between the ground and the first floor.
Some important household equipment is usually kept in the crawlspace; therefore, it is important that these pests are not allowed access to this area.
Are Termite Damage In Crawl Spaces Common?
Yes, termite damage in crawl space is common, as this area of the house provides them with a comfortable atmosphere from the darkness to the moistness of the crawl space.
A crawl space that is without air passage will only allow termites to thrive, increase in population, and exert more damage to your structure (wooden supports especially).
Are you wondering what the termites will survive on in the crawl space? Well below are the things that termites will likely feed on in your crawl space:
- Cellulose in insulation
- Wooden items
- Drywall
- Natural fiber materials
- Cardboard
Next, we will be looking at why Termite damage in crawl space is a problem, but you must first be aware that the feeding habits of these pests are what leads to these damages and can quite attract costs to fix them.
From the damage they cause to wiring, insulation, etc., these pests can be a handful.
Read also:Â Are Termites Attracted To Water?: Termites & Water Compatibility Tested
Why is Termite Damage in Crawl Space a Problem?
In the next subheading below, we explain how to fix termite damage in crawl space, and you will find out that some of these methods can be quite costly, so you already see why termite damage in crawl space is a problem.
Below are reasons why termite damage in crawl space is a problem:
- Attracts High Cost:
When allowed to thrive for long, termite damage in crawl space can be quite massive, as they are very destructive pests depending on the species.
Most of these damages will require repair or total replacement of damaged items. This will definitely be a huge loss to you, don’t you think?
- Weakening of Structural Integrity:
Termites are known to live in colonies, and so when they infest wood, they usually create galleries to house members of the colony.
These galleries require creating hollow holes in the wooden structure. With these hollow tunnels constructed, your structure is sure to suffer from weak structural integrity.
- Further Creation of Access Points:
Termite damage in crawl spaces will often lead to the further creation of moisture points as well as access points for other pests to infiltrate your structure. This can be very bad!
- Failure of HVAC Systems:
HVAC simply stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. We previously mentioned that termite activity in your crawl spaces can weaken the structural integrity of your structure.
With this weakening, your HVAC systems are likely to start failing at some point.
- Damage To Wiring:
Inspection is very important, as some termite species infest for a long time without being noticed, and only become noticeable when the damage has been done.
In your crawl spaces, they can also damage insulation and wiring equipment.
- Health Issues:
Yes, I know this one is quite surprising but it is true. When termites infest wood, they usually eat this wood till it becomes dust particles.
Now these dust (wood) particles are released into the air, and humans (residents) breathe these particles into their bodies. This can badly affect the respiratory system and cause serious health issues.
Read also:Â Pressure Treated Wood Termites: How Termites Bypass This Wood In 2024
How to Fix Termite Damage in Crawl Space
1. Eliminate Wood Piles:
To prevent termite damage in crawl spaces, you should eliminate woodpiles from your property. Also, get rid of lumber piles and even firewood, as all these are potential food sources for termites.
2. Create Barriers:
Since termites are able to access your crawlspace through the soil or wood, it is advisable that you create a barrier or maintain a gap between the foundation of your structure and the soil.
3. Use Pressure Treated Wood:
When constructing your home, for wood that will come in contact with the soil, do well to use pressure treated wood in these parts.
Pressure treated wood is slow to rot, and this will definitely deter termites from coming close. In addition to pressure treated wood, you can also treat the soil around your foundation to reduce termite migration.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps in Your Concrete:
When your foundation is without cracks or gaps, you deprive termites of gaining access to your home and hence reduce termite damage in crawl space.
Seal the cracks and gaps in your concrete foundation and you will be restricting termite infestation.
5. Regular Inspections:
Inspection can never be overemphasized. Regular inspection of your home and its foundation will alert you of any impending infestation and reduce the possibility of termite damage in crawl space.
Read also:Â Termites In The Walls: The 5 Signs To Look Out For In 2024
Conclusion
If you suspect termite activity in your home, it is advisable that you employ the service of pest control experts, as they will help you put these pests in check.
Termite damage in crawl space can attract huge costs and lead to a great deal of regrets if they are allowed to thrive for long. From chewing on insulation and wiring to weakening the structural integrity of your home, these pests must be prevented at all costs.
Have you ever experienced termites in your crawl space? Let us know your experience via the comments section below!
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