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

The potential consequences of untreated wood-destroying pest infestations include long-term structural issues. When pests such as termites, carpenter ants, or wood-boring beetles infest wood structures, they can compromise the integrity of the wood over time. This damage can weaken critical components of buildings, such as beams, joists, and supports, leading to a risk of collapse or severe structural failure. Additionally, the cost of repairs increases significantly as the damage progresses, and what might have started as a minor infestation can escalate into a major structural issue if not addressed promptly.

While an increased pest population is a consequence of unchecked infestations, it often directly ties into the resulting structural problems, since the structural damage compounds the urgency of pest management. Similarly, natural pest predators thriving does not directly relate to the consequences of the infestations from a structural standpoint. Lastly, the idea that untreated infestations would lead to less work for pest control companies overlooks the reality that damaged structures often necessitate professional intervention, usually resulting in an increased demand for pest control services to address significant damage after the fact.