We spend a lot of time discussing insect and wildlife pests, but the truth is that pest threats to your home do not always come in the form of a critter or a bug. In fact, your home may be host to a very different, very destructive pest problem: Wood Decaying Fungi.
But what exactly are wood-decaying fungi? And what threat do they pose to my home?
The name “wood-decaying fungi” applies to a group of fungus species that are known to damage wood or other cellulosic materials. Wood-decaying fungi are classified as Wood Destroying Organisms, along with termites and carpenter ants.
Wood-decaying fungi can attack your home in a variety of different ways. Some species simply grow over the top of the wood, which results in water damage. Others attack directly, which can cause much more significant damage. For example, the Lignicolous fungi species grow between the fibers of wood, which results in internal decay and eventually a loss of structural integrity.
Contrary to popular belief, clean and new homes are NOT safe from wood-decaying fungi. The truth is that the major factor impacting wood-decaying fungi activity is moisture. Wood-decaying fungi require a high level of moisture to grow, which often attracts them to parts of the home that collect moisture. Further, they tend to grow in spaces that are dark and secluded. Some of the more common areas for wood-decaying fungi growth include:
- Crawlspaces
- Near ponds and other water features
- Basements
- Vents
While these areas are more likely to come under attack from wood-decaying fungi, ANY part of your home with an unusual moisture level could have fungi growth. For this reason, any water damage sustained by your home could result in an infestation if not resolved.
If wood-decaying fungus is spreading in your home, it can cause some major problems. If left unchecked, the fungi will continue to spread and cause rotting and other damage to wooden framing, eaves, hardwood flooring, and other vulnerable parts of the structure. This can result in expensive to repair damage and could dangerously weaken the structure. Due to this, keeping your home free of wood-decaying fungi should be a top priority.
But how exactly do you protect your home from wood-decaying fungi?
The best way to protect your home from wood-decaying fungi is to avoid creating the conducive conditions that allow it to thrive in the first place. Any water damage sustained by your home should be dealt with as quickly as possible. Further, you should check around the foundation of your home for any instances of wood-to-ground contact, as this can be a major risk factor.
The fact is, every home is different, and there is no universal list of steps to protect your home from wood-decaying fungi. If you are concerned about your home’s vulnerability, you should consult your pest control professional to identify any potential environmental issues in and around your home.
Wood-decaying fungi can be a major nuisance, but with the assistance of a reliable pest control expert, no pest is unbeatable! At Arrow Pest Service, we have decades of experience dealing with pests of all kinds. Our highly rated pest technicians can inspect your home to identify any signs of pest activity or conducive conditions that might cause future issues. From there, we can construct a safe, targeted treatment plan that can deal with pest problems now and into the future!
So if you have pests in your home, or simply have a question, give us a call TODAY at 850-204-0318!
Here’s to YOU living PEST FREE!
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