What are the consequences of untreated wood-destroying pest infestations?

Untreated wood-destroying pest infestations can lead to significant structural damage over time, which is captured well by the choice that highlights structural failure, increased repair costs, and potential health risks.

When wood-destroying pests such as termites, carpenter ants, or wood-boring beetles invade a structure, they feed on the wood, compromising its integrity. As the infestation persists, the structural weaknesses can accumulate, leading to issues that may result in parts of the structure becoming unsafe or failing entirely. This deterioration necessitates extensive repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Additionally, there are potential health risks associated with some wood-destroying pests. For instance, certain species can exacerbate allergies or respiratory issues due to the dust or debris they produce, or even introduce harmful mold in cases of moisture accumulation associated with pest damage.

In contrast, the other choices present scenarios that do not hold true. Increased property value would be unlikely as infestations tend to diminish property desirability. Improved insulation and energy efficiency would not result from an infestation, as pests typically compromise the efficiency of a structure rather than enhance it. Lastly, the aesthetic appeal of a structure would certainly be diminished if evidence of pest activity is visible, such as damage to