When you think of a wood destroying organism, you probably picture an insect pest such as a termite or carpenter ant. But the truth is insects are not the only threat to wooden structures. In fact, one of the more subtle, damaging threats to your home is not an animal at all. That threat is posed by wood-decaying fungi, and it may be active in your home without your knowledge.
But what exactly are wood-decaying fungi? And how can they damage my home?
Wood-decaying fungi are a not a single entity but in fact a group of fungus species known for their tendency to rot or otherwise damage wood and other cellulosic material. Wood-decaying fungi often grow in areas of your home with pervasive moisture or wood-to-ground foundation contact. While water damage is the most common reason for wood-decaying fungi growth, it is not always necessary.
Some species of wood-decaying fungi simply cause water damage to wood by growing over the top of it, while others have more targeted attacks. As an example, the Lignicolous species can penetrate the fibers of wood, causing rotting and interior damage. If this is left unchecked, it may cause permanent damage and even weaken the structural integrity of framing.
Unfortunately, even very clean and new homes are not safe from wood decaying fungi. Moisture can seep into a home at any time, and sometimes moisture can get inside the home during construction, fostering an environment suitable for fungal growth. This can result in a well-hidden infestation that causes you no end of issues.
If wood-decaying fungus is left unchecked in your home, it can quickly result in expensive damage. The fungi can spread to wood framing, hardwood floors, and other cellulosic materials. Further, the more the fungi are allowed to spread the more difficult it will be to remove. Due to this, your top priority should be detecting an infestation early.
But how exactly can I keep my home safe from wood-decaying fungi?
Wood-decaying fungi can be a difficult problem to resolve. In a best-case scenario, you want to keep wood-decaying fungi out of your home in the first place by controlling the conditions that allow them to thrive. Keeping moisture levels around your home under control will help to prevent any growth. Further, you should carefully check vulnerable
areas of your home after significant rainfall or flooding in case water damage has occurred.
Part of the issue with eradicating wood-decaying fungi is due to the fact that they normally nest in secluded spaces. Areas of your home that are dark and moist are most often targeted. It is these areas in particular that you should check if you are concerned about wood-decaying fungus activity. Some of the first places to look are as follows:
* Beneath pipes and water boilers
* Basements and crawlspaces
* Near areas with water damage
* Around bathrooms, particularly those without evac fans
While other areas of your home can be infested by fungi as well, these are some of the more common and should be the first stop of any inspection. If you do find evidence of wood-decaying fungi activity, your best option is to call in a licensed pest control service to inspect and treat the area.
Pest problems can be difficult to tackle, but with the right assistance you can keep your home safe! At Blease Exterminating, we have years of experience serving as an industry-leader in pest control for the Moultrie area! We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of service and operating with reliability and integrity!
But what exactly are wood-decaying fungi? And how can they damage my home?
Wood-decaying fungi are a not a single entity but in fact a group of fungus species known for their tendency to rot or otherwise damage wood and other cellulosic material. Wood-decaying fungi often grow in areas of your home with pervasive moisture or wood-to-ground foundation contact. While water damage is the most common reason for wood-decaying fungi growth, it is not always necessary.
Some species of wood-decaying fungi simply cause water damage to wood by growing over the top of it, while others have more targeted attacks. As an example, the Lignicolous species can penetrate the fibers of wood, causing rotting and interior damage. If this is left unchecked, it may cause permanent damage and even weaken the structural integrity of framing.
Unfortunately, even very clean and new homes are not safe from wood decaying fungi. Moisture can seep into a home at any time, and sometimes moisture can get inside the home during construction, fostering an environment suitable for fungal growth. This can result in a well-hidden infestation that causes you no end of issues.
If wood-decaying fungus is left unchecked in your home, it can quickly result in expensive damage. The fungi can spread to wood framing, hardwood floors, and other cellulosic materials. Further, the more the fungi are allowed to spread the more difficult it will be to remove. Due to this, your top priority should be detecting an infestation early.
But how exactly can I keep my home safe from wood-decaying fungi?
Wood-decaying fungi can be a difficult problem to resolve. In a best-case scenario, you want to keep wood-decaying fungi out of your home in the first place by controlling the conditions that allow them to thrive. Keeping moisture levels around your home under control will help to prevent any growth. Further, you should carefully check vulnerable
areas of your home after significant rainfall or flooding in case water damage has occurred.
Part of the issue with eradicating wood-decaying fungi is due to the fact that they normally nest in secluded spaces. Areas of your home that are dark and moist are most often targeted. It is these areas in particular that you should check if you are concerned about wood-decaying fungus activity. Some of the first places to look are as follows:
* Beneath pipes and water boilers
* Basements and crawlspaces
* Near areas with water damage
* Around bathrooms, particularly those without evac fans
While other areas of your home can be infested by fungi as well, these are some of the more common and should be the first stop of any inspection. If you do find evidence of wood-decaying fungi activity, your best option is to call in a licensed pest control service to inspect and treat the area.
Pest problems can be difficult to tackle, but with the right assistance you can keep your home safe! At Blease Exterminating, we have years of experience serving as an industry-leader in pest control for the Moultrie area! We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of service and operating with reliability and integrity!
If you have a problem or even a question about termites, ants, roaches, mosquitoes, bedbugs, rats, mice or any other pest call Blease Exterminating today!
PS. Consultation is FREE and so is their exclusive FREE 58 Point Pest Analysis of your home or office So call TODAY!
PS. Consultation is FREE and so is their exclusive FREE 58 Point Pest Analysis of your home or office So call TODAY!