Wood Pests Maintenance and Repair

A wood-destroying insect like a termite can infest the interior of a home before the homeowner even realizes it. Once the termites are destroyed by one of several pest-control methods, any structural damage can be repaired by a licensed contractor.

Tubing termites One visible sign of an infestation of subterranean termites is a dirt tube built by the pests as they burrow into a house. Expert assistance from a licensed pest control applicator is necessary in such cases.

Breaking open a dirt tube built by subterranean termites will expose their activity in exterior or interior walls. If you find such evidence of termites in your house, call in a licensed pest control applicator.

The larger a dirt tube built by termites penetrating a house, the longer the pests have probably been there. In such cases, not only should a licensed pest control company be called in to deal with the termites but also a contractor to inspect for any structural damage.

Any house can and should be regularly checked by its owner for signs of wood-destroying insects. One sign is a dirt tube, which can be broken open to inspect for live termites. Live termites will appear as small white specks and should be dealt with by a licensed pest control applicator. The dirt tube shown here was broken to see if any termites were present. The small white specks inside the circles are live termites. A pest control applicator needs to be hired to treat this structure.

If termites are infesting any portion, such as the ceiling, of the garage of a house, the entire house should probably be at least inspected, and probably treated, by a licensed pest control company.

When termites have infested wall studs and other major support members of a house or garage, not only should a licensed pest control company be called in to treat the buildings but also a qualified contractor or structural engineer to evaluate structural damage.

Any spot in a home or on a property where wood makes contact with the soil on a property is an area ripe for the invasion of subterranean termites. Homeowners should correct the condition without delay.

If termites are found to be infesting the exterior wall of a home or garage, and no pest-control treatment has ever been applied, a pest-control company should be called in as soon as possible

Termites on deck When termites are found on roof decking or any other major support members of a home or garage, and no pest-control treatment has ever been applied, a pest-control company should be called in as soon as possible. A qualified contractor or structural engineer also should be consulted about possible structural damage.

When termites are found on any other major support members of a home or garage, and no pest-control treatment has ever been applied, a pest-control company should be called in as soon as possible. A qualified contractor or structural engineer also should be consulted about possible structural damage.

It not surprising to uncover evidence of termites when making inside the wall repairs. If termite damage is found, you will need to call in both a licensed pest control operator and a carpenter to deal with the damage.

Termites need three things to thrive: dirt, wood and water. Most houses have plenty of dirt and wood to chew on. Therefore it is important to fix water leaks around the house, such as a slowly dripping faucet, as soon as possible.

It is not uncommon to find wooden form boards and scrape wood left behind when the foundation of a new home is completed. Steps should be taken to either remove the wood or prevent any wood-to-earth contact, which can attract termites.

Firewood stored right next to a house will draw termites in a relatively short period of time. The wood should be moved at least 10 feet away from the home and the house inspected for termite activity.

Any time a piece of wood touches the earth, it can attract termites. The wood should either be moved or the dirt dug out from around it. The area, and possibly the entire structure, should next be inspected for termites

When the pan beneath a shower stall is defective, and water seeps into the space, it can attract termites. If this occurs, it would be necessary to contact a qualified pest control company to spot-treat the area, and possibly the entire structure, for termites.

Occasionally a contractor will leave a form board in place after finishing the construction of a foundation. It should be removed as soon as possible because of its potential for attracting termites. After its removal, the area should be inspected for termites.

Any wood located between a cement patio and a home, such as a wooden expansion joint, is a potential home for termites. The wood should be removed immediately and the area inspected for active termites.

The best way to avoid termites is to regularly inspect likely locations for them to show up. Without these regular checks, termites often are able to infest a spot for months, even years, before being found.