Are termites dangerous?

It took three years, but when the lawsuit was settled, a landlord paid $1.65 million to 5 people injured when a balcony collapsed. The accident occurred because of termite infestations.

The owner of the property knew about the termites and that the balcony was dangerous. Four months before the balcony collapsed, an insurance company canceled coverage, saying the balcony floor “felt spongy.” The question posed to the court was, “Are termites dangerous?”

Are Termites Dangerous?

Termites won’t contaminate food sources. Termites are not known to bite humans or to be disease-carriers (like roaches). They don’t have “stingers” to harm people and pets. Their strong pinchers are used for one thing only: to chew through wood. They could bite someone, but the probability is extremely rare.

Indirectly, the damage termites cause can lead to illness. As wood is damaged in dark and damp behind-the-scenes areas of your home, mold and mildew develop. The termites’ activity can release mold spores into the air. If your loved ones exhibit allergy symptoms such as:

• Coughing
• Headaches
• Runny/itchy eyes/nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

…your IAQ (indoor air quality) may be compromised due to termite damage.

Termite damage to floors and walls pose a threat to a property’s structural integrity. Floors, walls, and balconies can collapse because of weakened conditions and yes, someone can be hurt.

Are termites dangerous? The answer is yes, but only indirectly.

Ways to Prevent Termite Damage

Termites work in moist, dark areas in and around your home or commercial property. Good maintenance and what insurance companies call “diligence” can prevent a termite infestation:

• Clogged or damaged gutters can allow water to backflow or run down walls. Minimal water damage – inside or out – is like an invitation to termites.
• Inspect doors and windows regularly. There should be no broken or cracked seals. Weatherstripping should be intact.
• Never store wood next to your home, on your patio, etc. Try to put 18 inches of space between the ground and woodpiles.
• Remove rotting tree stumps and other organic debris from your yard. You want to minimize soil-to-wood contact. When soil touches wood, moisture “wicks up” into the wood and the moisture causes damage. Again, damp, damaged wood is a breeding ground for termites.

You’ve heard it before: There are 2 kinds of properties in Maricopa County; the ones that have termites and the ones that will have termites. Truly, the only sure way to prevent termite damage is regular, professional Arizona termite inspection. Most homeowner’s policies won’t cover termite damage repairs because termite damage is considered preventable.

DIY Termite Control

There are many things you can DIY (do-it-yourself) but getting rid of termites isn’t one of them. Applying termiticides isn’t as easy as spraying for other insects. You must use an indirect approach because termites live underground and behind walls.

Termite elimination can’t take a cookie-cutter approach because every situation is different. Based on your square footage, the type of termites, and the level of infestation, your pest control professional will determine the type of solution you need. We consider your lifestyle and household loved ones, too.

Your Partner for Termite Inspection, Elimination, Prevention

Delivering quality work at reasonable prices has always been important to us. When you care about friends and neighbors in the communities you serve, it shows. And that’s how businesses form lasting relationships with customers. Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination has helped property owners like you keep their homes and businesses pest-free over 25 years. We’re here for you and we’ll be here for your kids, too.

We also believe knowledgeable people make better decisions. If you have any questions, contact Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination.