Subterranean termites and dry rot (a type of wood rot) are the two extremely damaging forces that can destroy even a single item in your home. Both are often misunderstood by most people. However, both of them look similar but actually they are comparatively different from each other to a great extent. There are certain distinctions you need to be aware of in order to treat them separately and potentially.
dry rot
Dry rot is a type of wood rot in which fungi attack the wood. The fungi destroy the mechanism of the wood that makes it resistant and firm. Fungi often hollow out wood from the inside. A fungus is very capable of moving water from wet to dry areas. Therefore, the presence of fungi in dry wood can never be ruled out.
subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are extremely harmful little insects. They usually live in colonies underground. These insects come to the surface to eat or dig tunnels. Their diet is largely based on the cellulose present inside the wood. So, they consume the inner part of the wood and make it useless and hollow.
damage
Both termites and fungi create channels, but the process of creating channels is different for the two. Dry rot in many cases resembles dry brick or dry block. Because it creates channels within the wood by consuming wood and transporting water. On the other hand, termites dig tubes, usually called mud tubes, with soil, feces, water, or saliva. These tubes help termites get from soil to food in search of food. The channels made by termites generally resemble the branches of the tree and the main channel or trunk standing on the ground.
How both attack
Both termites and fungi have the common way of attacking wooden structures, that is, exposure to the ground. Both termites and fungi attack through the ground and the main reason for this is cracks in the foundation and dampness in the walls and floors. Dry rot is the result of too much contact with moisture. Fungi transfer water from the wet surface to the dry surface. On the other hand, cracks in the foundation pave the way for termites to enter the house and attack new wooden structures.
How to control termites and dry rot
Working on leaky pipes and basement water penetration can be helpful in controlling mild attacks of dry rot. But for severe attacks of dry rot, boric acid or borate is used. Boric acid is also useful against insects.
Subterranean termites can be controlled with the help of different insecticides or termicides. There are certain insecticides that are formulated to attack termites. These insecticides are used on the ground and contain some termite baits. Insecticides used today are less toxic than in the past. Organophosphates and pyrethroids are famous insecticides today.
