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.
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.
Appraisers are to observe all areas of the house and other structures/areas
within the legal boundaries of the property that have potential for infestation
by termites and other wood destroying organisms, including the bottoms of
exterior doors and frames, wood siding in contact with the ground and crawl
spaces. Mud tunnels running from
the ground up the side of the house may indicate termite infestation.
Observe the eave and gable vents and wood window sills for indication of
the entrance of swarming termites and note excessive dampness or large areas
where the vegetation is dead.
Evidence of active termite infestation must be noted.
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.
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 measures include reducing the potential infestation, preventing termite
entry, and applying chemicals for remedial treatment.
Inspect thoroughly to determine if there is an infestation, damage, and/or
conditions that could invite a termite attack or the need for remedial control
measures. The tools and equipment
needed for an inspection include a flashlight, ice pick or sharp-pointed
screwdriver, ladder and protective clothing.
Check the foundation of the house, garage, and other buildings for shelter tubes
coming from the soil. Look closely
around porches, connecting patios, sidewalks, areas near kitchens or bathrooms
and hard-to-see places. Check
window and door frames and where utility services enter the house for termite
infestation or wood decay. Also
look behind shrubbery or plants near walls.
Pay special attention to areas where earth and wood meet such as fences,
stair carriages, or trellises. Open
and check any exterior electrical meter or fuse box set into the wall, a common
point of infestation.
Carefully check all doors, window facings, baseboards, and hardwood flooring.
Discoloration or stains on walls or ceilings may mean that water is
leaking and can decay wood and aid termite infestation.
It is very important to inspect where plumbing or utility pipes enter the
foundation or flooring. Also
examine the attic for shelter tubes, water leakage, and wood damage.
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Prevention
Many termite problems can be prevented.
The most important thing to do is deny termite’s access to food
(wood), moisture, and shelter.
Follow the suggestions below.
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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.
For the heat method, pets, plants, and other items that might be damaged by high
temperatures must be removed. The
house is then covered with tarps, and hot air is blown into the tarp until the
inside temperature reaches 140° to 150°F and the temperature of the structural
timbers reaches 120°F. The time to
complete this procedure varies greatly from one structure to another, depending
on factors such as the building's construction and the weather conditions.
The procedure may not be practical for structures that cannot be heated
evenly.
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.
Any pest control company that claims whole-house results with local or
spot control methods is guilty of false advertising and should be reported.
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.
• 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