Wood destroying insects and other organisms can cause serious problems in the wood structural components of a house and may go undetected for a long period of time. It is reported that termites cause more damage each year than fires, floods and hurricanes combined. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage annually.
New Construction
All chemical soil treatments, bait systems, and chemical wood treatment must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applied in accordance with the EPA label instructions. In some cases it is not feasible for a builder to arrange for soil treatment. In this regard, the International Residential Code (IRC) by the International Code council allows a builder to utilize pressure treated wood as a measure of termite protection. If pressure treated wood is used, however, it must be used in all framing members up to and including the top plate of the first floor level wall. This includes the subfloor and floor joists of the first floor. The use of pressure treated wood in only the sill plate is not acceptable. In such cases, the builder must provide the lender with a letter stating that the house is protected from termites by the use of pressure treated wood. The builder must also provide the home buyer with a one year warranty against termites. The use of post-construction soil treatment where the chemicals are applied only around the perimeter of the foundation is NOT acceptable in new construction.
Termites
Subterranean termites are the most damaging insects of wood. Their presence is hard to notice and damage usually is found before the termites are seen. Prevent infestations because if they occur they will almost always need professional pest control service.
Signs of Infestation
Generally, the first sign of infestation is the presence of swarming termites on the window or near indoor light. If they are found inside the house, it almost always means that they have infested. Other signs that may be found are termite wings on window sills or in cobwebs, and shelter tubes which are tunnels constructed by the termites from soil or wood and debris. Usually, wood damage is not found at first, but when it is found it definitely reveals a termite infestation. Anywhere wood touches soil is a possible entry into a home for termites. Examine wood which sounds dull or hollow when struck by a screwdriver or hammer. Inspect suspected areas with a sharp, pointed tool such as an ice pick to find termite galleries or their damage.
Control
Control measures include reducing the potential for infestation, preventing termite entry and applying chemicals for remedial treatment.
Inspection
Inspections are typically visual, but can involve minor probing and sounding methods. The tools and equipment needed for an inspection include a flashlight, ice pick or sharp-pointed screwdriver, ladder and protective clothing.
Outdoors
Inspectors Check the foundation of the house, garage and other buildings identified in the report for shelter tubes coming from the soil. They look closely around porches, connecting patios, sidewalks, areas near kitchens or bathrooms, window and door frames and where utility services enter the house for termite infestation or wood decay. Also, they look behind shrubbery or plants near walls and pay special attention to areas where earth and wood meet such as fences, stair carriages and trellises.
Indoors
Inspectors carefully check doors, window facings, baseboards and hardwood flooring. Discoloration or stains on walls or ceilings may indicate that water is leaking and can promote termite infestation. It is important for the inspector to have access to all interior rooms, attics, basements and crawl space areas.
| PreventionMany termite problems can be prevented. The most important thing to do is deny termites access to food (wood), moisture and shelter.Follow the sugestions below.
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Chemical Treatment
Termite treatment often requires specialized equipment. Therefore, it is recommended that you always use the services of a pest control operator because he is familiar with construction principles and practices, has the necessary equipment and knows about subterranean termites.
Local or Spot Control
Local or spot control methods include the use of pesticides, electric current, extreme cold, localized heat, microwave energy, or any combination of these methods. Local or spot control also includes the removal and replacement of infested structural timber. These methods are intended to remove or kill termites only within the specific targeted area, leaving open the possibility of other undetected infestations within the structure. These treatments are NOT designed for whole-house eradication. Local or spot treatment with pesticides involves drilling and injecting pesticides into infested timbers, as well as the topical application of toxic chemicals. The electric current method involves delivering electric energy to targeted infestations. For the extreme cold method, liquid nitrogen is pumped into wall voids adjacent to suspected infestation sites, reducing the area to -20°F. The localized heat method involves heating infested structural timbers to 120°F. The microwave method kills termites by directing microwaves into termite-infested wood.
If you see the following signs in your house, you might have termites:
• sawdust-like droppings
• dirt or mud-like tubes or trails on the structure
• damaged wood members (like window sills)
• swarming winged insects within the structure, especially in the spring or fall
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