123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Home-and-Garden >> View Article

Wood Decay Attracts Termites

Profile Picture
By Author: mal brewer
Total Articles: 2
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

It may seem that termites live in a very isolated world, sealed in their mud tubes and living underground. The truth can be very different; termites live symbiotically with special gut bacteria that aid in the tough digestion of wood fibres. Certain species actually farm fungi. Fungus in general is a chief ally of the termites, breaking down tough timbers and providing protein in their diet.

Timber affected by wood decay is more attractive to termites than sound wood. Generally termites will prefer situations where wood decay fungus is established if they are presented with the option.

Wood decay fungi species have their growth rate accelerated in damp situations. This is one reason we encourage you to keep showers in good condition, wood decay will often get started in nearby window and door trim. Where this happens you can bet the bottom plate and lower sections of studs in the wall behind the shower are suffering too. Enticed by the moisture and decay gases the termites won’t be too far behind.

Decay problems can be especially severe in subfloor situations with insufficient drainage and/or ventilation. ...
... We have seen cases where the floor appears almost snow white on the low underside as we crawl through. Apart from the obvious concerns about termites and damage to flooring, these cases also promote the growth of mould and other unhygienic undesirables such as cockroaches. Termites and cockroaches are far more closely related than termites and ants, it should be no surprise that the two thrive in similar conditions. Think of termites as highly organised, wood eating cockroaches if you like (its more accurate than the misnomer 'white-ants').

Many fence post failures are as much a result of wood decay fungus as they are from termite damage. Keeping fence posts free of the ground my mounting them on a metal stirrup is a very sensible idea. Keeping the posts and fence battens free of soil contact will greatly reduce the effect of wood decay and reduce the ability of termites to detect them. You will get twice the life expectancy out of your fence.

Timber retaining walls will inevitably get wood decay and probably termites as well. Use bricks, blocks, concrete or any other non-susceptible material instead. Treated timber will only last a little longer than regular sleepers but nowhere near as long as the non-timber alternatives.

A good coating of paint can prevent wood decay from establishing in exposed timbers. This is one reason why it’s important to maintain queen slanders and other timber homes, once its rotten it loose significant strength that cannot be regained. Replacement will be the only option. The same goes for patios, posts and other attachments. Wood decay can make a serious falling hazard out of the pergola with no termites involved.

Contact our office for a thorough termite inspection today!

Total Views: 262Word Count: 471See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Home and Garden Articles

1. Choosing The Best Toilet Cubicles: Merino Toilet Cubicles Vs. Greenlam Toilet Cubicles
Author: hygree

2. The Ultimate Guide To Clawfoot Tubs And Steam Bathtubs: A Blend Of Classic Elegance And Modern Relaxation
Author: hygree

3. Enhance Your Bathroom With Premium Kohler Shower Heads And Kohler Single Hole Bathroom Faucets
Author: zfaucets

4. Elevate Your Bathroom Aesthetics With Kohler Widespread And Brass Bathroom Faucets
Author: zfaucets

5. Elevate Your Space With Kohler Bathroom Sink Faucets: Why The Kohler Bathroom Faucet Black Is A Game-changer
Author: zfaucets

6. Built To Last: Electric Gate Durability In Australian Conditions
Author: Julie Woodhams

7. The Role Of A Landscape Designer: What They Really Do
Author: Steven

8. Usg Drywall Estimator
Author: Estimate Florida Consulting

9. Ensure The Building’s Durability With The Use Of Concrete
Author: Christian Zox

10. The Chief Benefits Of Seeking Programmed Maintenance
Author: Christian Zox

11. Ensure The Strength Of The Building With The Use Of Structural Steel
Author: Ashton Coaldrake

12. The Great Reasons Behind A Successful Kitchen Makeover
Author: Ashton Coaldrake

13. How To Ensure That Your Roof Does Not Collapse And Remains In Good Shape?
Author: Michael Gilmore

14. A Complete Guide To Toilet Partitions In Chennai And Glass Bathroom Partitions
Author: hygree

15. The Right Fencing You Can Choose For Your Property
Author: Michael Gilmore

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: