Have a professional determine whether you have a termite infestation.
Termites are a persistent problem in homes, damaging approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year, according to Termites.com. They consume a variety of different materials in homes, such as wood and Sheetrock. Sheetrock is also known as drywall plasterboard or wallboard and is a building material used to make wall and ceiling surfaces inside a building. Widely used in home construction and alongside structural wood, Sheetrock can be severely damaged during a termite infestation.
Identifying Termites
Termites are often mistaken for common black ants because of their general physical features. There are, however, a few key differences. Termites have uniformly thick wastes, while ants have a narrow midsection. All termites have short and straight antennae, while ants have elbowed antennae. The main difference between the two insects is that termites come in a variety of different colors, such as black, yellow, brown and red. Even after you identify the presence of termites, it is important to hire a professional exterminator for a second opinion.
Locating an Infestation
Termites survive on a steady diet of cellulose, which is an organic compound that is present in natural fibers such as wood, paper and fibers that make up Sheetrock. They often create nests right behind Sheetrock boards, feeding on the fibers from the inside out. Press lightly on the Sheetrock or lightly knock to detect for hollowed out areas behind walls. Termite-weakened Sheetrock will have lots of give or crumble if the material has suffered extensive damage. In more serious cases, you will notice numerous small perforations.
Long-term Effects
The longer a termite colony is left untreated, the more extensive the damage on your Sheetrock. Colonies create a series of tunnels through any building fibers like Sheetrock surrounding the nest. As more tunnels are created within Sheetrock, the material becomes very delicate and can be punctured with a light bump or accidental impact. In most situations, after the colony has been exterminated, the Sheetrock should be examined to see whether board replacement is necessary.
Termite Removal
If you suspect that there are termites burrowing through your Sheetrock walls, hire a professional exterminator to determine whether an infestation exists. Always have another professional come in after the first one to verify the initial judgment. When choosing a company, make sure you select one that comes with a good warranty. A reputable company will provide a limited warranty and return if the initial colony is not entirely eliminated.
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