Termite Control Methods
I have just purchased an older home in a rural area and I was told that my neighbor had termites in his foundation and I might also have them. Is this something I need to be concerned about?
Peter Frequent
Huntsville, Texas
Water can be an enemy of your foundation, but the termites extending from it are an enemy to your house. These little house eaters may be subletting your basement or crawl space. They are not invited and are not paying any rent, however they sure are helping themselves to dinner. These tenants can also include wood-boring beetles, and other insects.
Termites often cause their damage long before they’re discovered, because they tend to eat wood from within. According to the Insect Exterminating Institutes, termites cause more damage to homes than storms and fires combined. They have been around since the great flood of Noah’s day. They work 24-7 and can have up to a million members per colony. Unless you live in termite-free Alaska, your house has the potential to be termite food; therefore you should have a termite or general bug inspection annually.
If you have had termites and had them eradicated, you now have the fun job of repairing any damage. Cellulose-loving insects can compromise the very posts and beams that hold your house up. They can also munch away on the sill plates, the bottom members of a framed wall that’s attached to the foundation.
Inspect your home for water leaks
Termites need moisture to survive; therefore you need to inspect your home for water leaks and sources both inside and outside of your home. If you have a leaky bath tub in the middle of your house, these subterranean little rascals will tunnel under your slab and help themselves to a drink of water. While they are there they will eat lunch and build themselves a nice home. Basements and crawl spaces provide termites a nice warm home with plenty to eat. Install vents in your crawl space to keep the moisture down. Outside, seal off all the cracks and gaps that welcome termites. A proper extermination will last at least 5 years, however I recommend that you still call for an annual termite inspection, most companies don’t charge for this service.
Category: Reader Question
