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Diseases Caused by Termites

Termites destroy furniture and wooden structures in properties little by little. They cause a lot of long-term damage around the house which can go unnoticed for a lot of time. Since termites cannot spread diseases that are hazardous to humans, they are not recognised to pose a health risk to humans. On the other hand, some occupants of houses infested with termites may experience allergic reactions or even asthma attacks. Furthermore, living in a termite-damaged home might be unsettling for people who experience allergies due to particles of wooden dust. Read this blog to get a better idea on the diseases caused by termites and ways to prevent them from living in your home:

  • Allergies

Termites release tiny excrement and bodily parts into the air when they consume wood. Sensitive people may experience allergic reactions if they inhale these particles. The symptoms might vary from moderate breathing problems to excruciating asthma episodes. Homes with extensive termite infestations may develop conditions where there are higher levels of allergens.

  • Asthma attacks

Since termite nests distribute wood dust and other irritating particles, having these pests in your home can turn mild forms of asthma into a chronic condition. Additionally, the heating and ventilation systems will disperse a significant amount of dust from the nests throughout the house. Termites also release Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when they chew on wood. These substances may be a factor that contribute to the poor quality of indoor air.  Patients with asthma also may have recurrent attacks if termite infestation spreads substantially.

  • Eczema

Homes with termite infestations also may have too much moisture. Skin disorders like eczema may worsen due to this moist atmosphere and the discharge of irritating particles. The presence of allergens and moisture may contribute to or worsen eczema symptoms in individuals that are vulnerable.

  • Respiratory discomfort or allergies

As a by-product of devouring wood, termites make wood pellets and frass, or termite droppings, which can cause allergies. If a person who is allergic to termite excrement comes into direct touch with the frass, they may get severe allergies or infections. When someone with a chronic illness breathes wood dust, it might irritate their respiratory system. Furthermore, the house’s HVAC system also helps in the allergens’ distribution. The amount of allergens indoors can be reduced with the use of an air filter, but the health problem won’t go away until the termite infestation is eradicated.

  • Mould spores

Termite colonies with darkness are ideal for the growth of mould. Mould spreads as termites bite through the wood. The mould has the ability to travel through the air, land on skin, and be inhaled. Spore-producing fungi are known as mould. These mould spores are dangerous and can induce runny noses, coughs, sore throats, burning eyes, migraine headaches, and weakness. Additionally, some mould spore varieties can lead to fungal illnesses such as candida, histoplasmosis, and hives.

  • Bacterial Infections

Termite infestations can weaken a building’s structural integrity, which can result in moist conditions and water leaks. These circumstances offer a favourable environment for the growth of dangerous bacteria, including those that cause other bacterial illnesses which can happen when humans are exposed to tainted water droplets, which happens frequently through air conditioning systems.

  • Spread of Pathogens

Termites may come into contact with pathogens during their tunnelling through organic debris and soil. During infestations, these pathogens can then enter homes.

Preventative measures

Termite infestations can damage the hygiene in your property. Additionally it also causes substantial property damage that can be expensive to restore, which makes implementation of preventative measures much more essential. Listed below are a few measures that can protect your property from these pests:

  1. Frequent Inspections: Have a licenced pest control expert do termite inspections on a regular basis. They can recognise the first indications of termite activity, allowing you to act quickly to stop an infestation before it spreads.
  2. Seal Cracks and Openings: Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s walls, roof, and foundation. Even the smallest cracks can be used by termites as access points. Make sure the doors and windows are properly sealed as well.
  3. Limit Soil-to-Wood touch: Keep the wood surrounding your property away from coming into direct touch with the soil. Termites build a bridge out of dirt to get into wooden structures. For the purpose of separating the soil from any wooden components, use barriers made of stone or concrete.
  4. Proper Drainage: Make sure the drainage systems on your property are working properly to divert water away from the foundation. Enough moisture can draw termites, so it’s critical to keep good drainage in place.
  5. Get Rid of Dead Trees and Stumps: Termites love to burrow into dead trees and stumps. Take them out of your yard to get rid of any nesting places and food supplies.
  6. Store Wood Away: Keep timber, firewood and other wooden items elevated off the ground and away from the foundation. Keeping wood stored close to your house gives termites easy access to your property.
  7. Adequate Ventilation: Make sure attics and crawl spaces are properly ventilated. Proper ventilation lowers moisture content, which deters termites from attacking your property.

Since termites rarely bite and don’t transmit disease, they are not harmful in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, when you realise they are ruining your house, you may feel uncomfortable and worried. Because of the termite infestation, you also won’t be able to get a good night’s sleep which is why you may end up falling ill. Aside from that, termites pose no threat to people.

However, it can be dangerous to treat a termite infestation without the expertise and experience of a professional. Hence, it is preferable to hire a reputable pest control firm to stop additional harm from occurring to your house. If an infestation is found, the pest controllers will do a thorough assessment of the condition and treat the termites using the necessary products and pesticides that will keep these pests away from your property.

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