Termites are among the most successful groups of insects on Earth, colonising most landmasses except for Antarctica. Their colonies range in size from a few hundred individuals to enormous societies with several million individuals. Termites are detritivores, consuming dead plants at any level of decomposition. They also play a vital role in the ecosystem by recycling waste material such as dead wood, faeces and plants. Their import cannot be understated in the physical environment we live in. These are just a few of the incredibly interesting things about termites, as intricately beautiful as one can only find a in the fascinating world of flora and fauna.
Termites are known as wood-destroying insects,owing to their wood-eating habits, many termite species can do great damage to wooden structures. Their silent and dangerous habit of remaining concealed often results in their presence being undetected until the timbers are severely damaged, leaving a deceptive thin layer of a wall that protects them from the environment. Termites will only be found out thorough pest control inspection.This is what makes them the incorrigible menace they are famed for the world over.
Naturally, the universal assumption is that if you do not have a structure constructed majorly from timber, you are home and dry. However, this is not in the real sense, true. So, based on what you are about to read, if you think your brick home is impenetrable, think again. Their behaviour leads many homeowners to believe their brick home isn’t vulnerable to termite infestations. Though brick or concrete houses are little harder for termites to enter, they aren’t entirely safe from termites. Below are a few ways how termites make their way into brick or concrete homes.
Brick Veneer
An enduring trend in home and interior design, spaces appear to be constructed of brick but are really built with brick veneer. What is that, you may ask.It essentially is the insulation or cladding made of brick. Such homes, for example are constructed with a wood frame, like most structures, and the brick is applied to the surface instead of wood or vinyl siding. If moist soil or mulch contacts the edge of the brick veneer, termites will travel behind the veneer and access the wood underneath. They unfortunatelywill not leave behind a visible entry point, and will most likely do serious damage before they’re discovered. Maintaining a suitable space of say a few centimetres between any brick veneer and other moist soil-like materials is a cautionary measure to take.
Dry wood Termites
Dry wood termites target any home with wood inside, regardless of the home’s composition. The termite enters the home through a wood object, like furniture, a picture frame or lumber. The dry wood termites build their nests inside the wood and can live within your walls or even just the table leg. The best way to prevent a dry wood termite infestation is to scrutinize any wood you bring into your home. This way you will literally be home and dry.
Concrete elements, e.g. Slabs
Surprisingly, concrete slabs are more vulnerable to termite invasion than homes built with basements. The space beneath the slab is dark and wet, providing termites with the idealspace to thrive and cause harm. Termites can enter your structure through expansion joints in the concrete, holes for plumbing or spaces for electrical wiring and utilities. It is important to ensure all entry points are sealed, and keep water away from your foundation. A baiting system can reduce the risk of infestation and protect your home from unwanted termite visitors.
Structural brick
Older brick homes are commonly built with structural brick instead of veneer. The walls aren’t made with a wooden frame work, instead, they are entirely supported by brick. The walls are traditionally several bricks thick, while veneer is usually built with only one layer of brick. A fool proof alternative you would think, or in this case, termite proof, right? Wrong. Most homes with structural bricks have interior plaster over wood lath, which is directly cladded onto to the masonry with no space or insulation. Once termites enter through, they have direct access to wooden elements inside your apartment or home.
In conclusion, the answer is yes, you can get termites in a brick apartment block. A great and almost infallible way to mitigate this problem is enlisting the services of pest control services.
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