You’re doing your weekly Sunday clean, vacuuming, doing the washing, and wiping down the surfaces only to find some wet weather damage in your home. Or at least that’s what you think it is.
Discovering damage in your home can be scary and a cause for panic – what caused it? Is it going to be expensive to fix? You likely have many questions. But don’t worry; we’re here to help answer a few of those.
Termite and water damage can often look similar, leaving you clueless as to what caused the damage. So, this blog post will explain the difference, helping you determine the necessary next steps.
What is termite damage?
Termite damage can look similar to water damage in some cases.
This is because termites have high moisture levels, leaving a trace of what looks like damp and wet wood.
Termites target wood and mud – so if you don’t have a leak or damage to these areas, chances are you’ve got water damage.
If you have termites, they will chew through wood. They may chew through structures such as wooden beams in your roof, floorboards, or other wooden structures.
As you can imagine, a termite infestation is very serious. So, how do you get rid of them?
How to get rid of termites?
There are a few home remedies you can try to get rid of termites.
But if the problem is widespread and you’re noticing damage around your home, then you should seek professional help.
Nonetheless, home remedies include using insecticide liquid, a homemade wet cardboard trap (yes, you read that right), or bait stations containing boric acid.
If you’re clueless or don’t want to deal with termites (which, let’s face it, who does), then we’d definitely suggest working with a professional bug and termite pest control team.
What is water damage?
So, we’ve discussed termite damage; now let’s talk about water damage.
While termite damage can be severe, water damage can be equally as bad.
Although usually, water damage can be easy to fix (if you catch it early).
Signs of water damage include a damp smell, a constant dripping, and a build-up of mold.
These are telltale signs of water damage. For example, you may hear or see the water damage, and you may experience water damage around areas of your home that are not wood (remember: termites love and target wood).
Termite damage vs. water damage – how to tell the difference?
Noticing the difference between termite and water damage may seem confusing at first.
But it’s actually quite easy to tell the difference.
Although termites may leave a somewhat damp trace, water damage will usually leave a damp or musty smell, you’ll be able to hear or see the water damage or leak, and termites only really target wood.
The quicker you find the source of the problem, termites or water damage, the easier it is to fix the problem.
The worst thing you can do is put it off and solve it later. If you have termites, they’ll multiply and begin targeting other wooden structures and mud in/under your home. And if you have a leak, then this will only weaken structures, build up mold and nasty odors, and compromise not only the property, but your health, too.
Take action early, get to the root of the problem, and protect your home. Believe us, you won’t target it. You don’t want a termite problem, and you definitely don’t want severe water damage.
Water damage in San Antonio? Let us help.
If you think you have water damage in San Antonio, Texas, then we can help.
Experts in water damage emergencies and restoration, we’re here day or night to help you fight water damage.
With over 25 years of experience, we’ve got the expertise to tackle water damage, helping reduce stress and return your home back to the loving way it once was.
Frequently asked questions
We’ve put together a few frequently asked questions about termite and water damage below:
Does termite damage look wet?
Termite damage can sometimes look wet. Look for other signs of termite damage, such as hollowed-out wood.
What does water-damaged wood look like?
Water damage often causes square-shaped patterns in the wood. This will also likely be accompanied by a damp smell.
What is worse termite or water damage?
Both can be bad, so getting to the root of the problem much sooner can help you eliminate the damages for good.
