Which common insect pest is known to affect structural integrity?

Termites are well-known for their ability to significantly compromise the structural integrity of buildings and other wooden structures. They feed on cellulose, which is found in wood, paper, and other plant materials. This feeding behavior allows termites to infest and hollow out wooden beams, joists, and even walls over time, leading to serious structural damage.

Their colonies can grow large and remain hidden within structures, making them difficult to detect until substantial damage has occurred. The impact of a termite infestation can be extensive, often requiring costly repairs and treatments to eradicate the pests and restore the integrity of the affected structures.

In contrast, while ants may infest wood in some cases, they do not typically cause the same level of damage as termites do. Spiders and flies are generally not pests that affect structural integrity; rather, they are more nuisance pests that do not have the capacity to damage structural components in the same way. This specificity and severity of the damage associated with termites solidify their reputation as a primary concern for property owners regarding structural integrity.