water damage vs termite damage

Published by on November 13, 2020

If you tap on the outside of a piece of wood, it may sound hollow. They excavate large galleries for their nests, and they connect these galleries with tunnels. The pictures below came from Waterbury and Brookfield CT. Here’s a quick review on how to tell termite damage and water damage apart. Homeowners can easily confuse termite damage and water damage. After our technicians perform an inspection, sometimes it turns out it’s only water damage. Also, if you read the lists I included you’ll notice that there’s definitely some overlap between the two. Characteristics of Termite Damage Termites create channels, too, but the chief difference is that the fundamental integrity of the wood remains intact around the channels. Termite damage has a very distinct look to it. Termite specialists and entomologists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimate that, more than any other insect in the U.S., about 95% of structural damage is caused by subterranean termites, which live in the soil and build larger nests. Some species of termites, including dampwood termites, only feed on wood that has already been damaged by water. For example, both problems can cause paint to bubble and peel. Once you have removed the source of the moisture you can replace or repair the damaged wood. This pattern can be called "cubicle rot," referring to the cube-shaped square cells. Water damage happens to a piece of wood when it’s constantly in contact with moisture, rain water or the ground. Termites can cause serious damage to our homes especially if you didn’t get rid of them immediately. When the wood fails, it’s because the number of channels increases to the point that there isn’t enough wood left to support any weight or stress placed on it. Get immediate answers! Do you know the difference or do you just think you know the difference? Some people also call this pocket rot or dry rot. Signs of a termite infestationthe role water plays. Termite damage vs water damage. Homeowners can easily confuse termite damage and water damage. Agree w/WOW, water damage from water. For starters, both termite damage and water damage cause paint to bubble and peel away from the wood. These square-shaped cells are created because the wood expands and cracks with the increased water content. The reason this is important is that there are some areas where termites are likely to be and other places where water is likely to be most common. Termite damage vs water damage. When subterranean termites consume wood, they eat along the softer springwood and leave the harder summerwood. Because termites create high-moisture nests, signs of termite damage are often similar to signs of water damage. Mud tubes are made up of soil, wood, fecal matter and salvia. In this case, you would need to address the water issue and termite infestation simultaneously, before repairing the damage. Get pro tips by email from our team of experts on preventing pest break-ins. They both represent something completely different. If you have active termites in your home you may see 1 or more of these signs. In fact, they are probably the main crop pests in East Africa & North Asia. Termites eat along the grainline of wood, which results in an intricate pattern of tunnels. When drywood termites consume wood, they eat along and across the grain. I understand my consent to be contacted is not required for me to make a purchase with Orkin. Wood damage from termites will result in soft wood that breaks easily. It also is called "alligatoring," because the square-shaped cells resemble an alligator's back. Length-wise, summerwood looks like thick sheets of paper after the springwood has been eaten. Here’s a quick review on how to tell termite damage and water damage apart. Every situation is different. Survival of timber-inhabiting species, smaller animals & birds (due to the hollowing wood and providing them a shelter). In fact I’ve seen termite evidence that looked like water damage and water damage that looked like termite damage. If the damage is due to a termite infestation the best course of action is to get professional termite treatment. © 2020 Envirocare Pest Control, LLC. [contact-form-7 id=”1822″ title=”Contact form 1″]. Water damage vs termite damage. Its if you see mud tubes are galleries within the wood there is a good chance you have termites. If wet rot is the source of the damage you need to start by dealing with the cause of the moisture. All Rights Reserved. Water Damage vs. Termite Damage What is the Difference between Water Damage and Termite Damage? Knowing where to look for these two issues is half the battle to solving the problem. In a cross section of subterranean termite-damaged wood, summerwood has a honeycomb appearance after the springwood has been eaten. They love not having to do the round trip back and forth for their moisture, and set up a family reunion and become squatters. Since treatment and repairs for water damage and termite damage are very different, contact a licensed termite inspector for help determining whether wood damage was caused by termites or water. The wood contains galleries that were created as the termites fed upon the wood. Termite damage has a very distinct look to it. Due to their smaller colony size, drywood termites typically do not damage wood as much or as quickly as subterranean termites. Termites eat along the grainline of wood, which results in an intricate pattern of tunnels. Termites use these tubes to travel from one place to another. Wet wood Is also a termite attractant. The discarded wings are from the adult termites that fly away to form their own colonies. A+ BBB Rating. For starters, both termite damage and water damage cause paint to bubble and peel away from the wood. :biggrin2: If you don't cause dust or fumes, you'll be fine. Because termites create high-moisture nests, signs of termite damage are often similar to signs of water damage. Survival of timber inhabiting species smaller animals birds due to the hollowing wood and providing them a shelter. replace the damage and remember to coat all 6 sides with good exterior paint, and I would give the rest a new coat as well. Water damage to wood often creates square-shaped "cells" in the wood. Termite Damage vs Water Damage. The wood acts like a wick and sucks the water into the cells within the wood. Where to look for both termite damage and water damage. Enter a zip code below to view local branches. If you’re unsure of what your looking at, fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-879-6481. 375 Franklin Drive Dacula, GA 30019 (770) 962-4240, 424 W Taylor Street Suite 131 Griffin, GA 30224 (770) 227-5161. Aforementioned, termite damage is quite similar to water damage, bubbling wallpaper, dripping ceiling, sagging floors, and bulging walls. We can help! The “mud” is also used to create shelter tubes, which are a defining characteristic of termite-infested wood. For example, both problems can cause paint to bubble and peel. If you look at a cross section of a tree, the lighter-colored rings are springwood and the darker-colored rings are summerwood. garage door trim where it touches the ground. Once the cells are overloaded and can no longer absorb moisture, the cells explode and the wood becomes water damaged. Termite damage also always goes with the grain of the wood and contains “mud.” This mud is used by the termites as a moisture source. Termite damage also always goes with the grain of the wood and contains “mud.” This mud is used by the termites as a moisture source. The wood contains galleries that were created as the termites fed upon the wood. Because they each have very similar qualities, sometimes it can be difficult to figure out which is which. Each year, termite damage is discovered in approximately 600,000 homes and structures. By clicking the “Submit” button, I authorize Orkin to contact me about their services at this number using an auto dialer. Termite Damage: termite damage vs water damage - The termites effects in agriculture are also damaging. We have a lot of customers call us thinking they have termite damage. Call (770) 962-4240   |. A Better Business Bureau Accredited Business.

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