Pests That Are The Most Destructive
Have you ever wondered which home pest is the most destructive? We hear a lot about the damage that termites cause, and for sure, they are damaging. Do they create the most damage? Collectively, and across the US, termites are probably the pest that causes the most damage. Inside, we look at many of the pests that cause damage to home and property.
Wood Destroying Insects
Yes, the topic of a home damaged by insects is broad enough that those insects that damage wood are grouped. They include termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood-boring beetles, bark beetles, and a host of other pests. These insects are so damaging that the sale of buildings requires an expert to look for damage from these organisms.
Even small amounts of damage can add up to expensive repairs. Carpenter bees damage fences, decks, eves, and also the foundation of homes. Carpenter ants, if present, can be as damaging as are termites.
Bats
You wouldn’t think of bats in the same light as you would termites. These little furry mammals do not eat wood, nor do they chew it. The damage roosting bats can cause to a house is serious. It is the piles of bat feces (guano) and the urine that builds up over the weeks, months, and years that causes the damage. Urine is acidic, and it soaks into wood and drywall. Guano creates all kinds of problems, and some of those are health-related.
While bats are significant, they should never be allowed to roost in a house. The damage they can cause is insanely expensive. There are human ways to remove bats.
Wildlife
The deal with wildlife and home damage almost always is due to denning. Raccoons have been known to cause significant damage to the roof of homes, trying to dig their way into an attic or crawl space. Possums and raccoons may dig up the underside of a house to make a den, especially if the HVAC heating ducts are exposed. They can damage insulation, woodwork, plumbing, and electrical wiring too.
Rodents
Rats and mice are very destructive. They chew up wood, electrical wires, can damage plumbing, destroy appliances, and much more. It is not just their chewing that causes damage, but also their feces and urine. As damaging as mice and rats are, they are no comparison to squirrels. Tree squirrels may damage the roof or siding digging to gain access. However, as bad as roof damage sounds, ground squirrels can topple a building quickly. Ground squirrels, if left alone, will ruin a house. Their tunneling and digging weaken the foundation and supports. Their tunneling can cause water to enter the home and flood. Ground squirrels are the one pest that can do the most damage in the shortest period. Do they do more harm than termites? Fortunately, most homeowners get rid of ground squirrels quickly. Their presence is much more apparent than is the presence of termites or wood-destroying insects. Given that they do so much damage in such a short period, they are probably the most damaging pest around.
Learn more about how to protect your home from pest damage by giving us a call. We provide affordable and comprehensive pest control services throughout the greater Byran, Texas area.
