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.
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Kevin
Goff
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Serving Lansing, Michigan
and surrounding areas
517-699-7787 Inspections Performed 24/7 including Holidays |
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Links of Interest Termites 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.
Appraisers Observations
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.
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
infestation, preventing termite entry and applying chemicals
for remedial treatment.
Inspection
Inspect thoroughly to determine if there is
an infestation, damage, and/or conditions that could invite a
termite attack or the need fo remedial control measures. The
tools and equipment needed for an inspection include a flashlight,
ice pick or sharp-pointed screwdriver, ladder and protective
clothing.
Outdoors
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.
Indoors
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.
Prevention
Many termite problems can be prevented. The
most important thing to do is deny termites access to food (wood),
moisture and shelter. Follow the suggestions below.
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.
Exterminating Termites
If you think you have a termite infestation
in your house, you need to call a structural pest control company
to conduct a professional inspection. To find a company, ask
friends or coworkers for recommendations, or check the yellow
pages. If the inspection finds evidence of dry wood termites,
you have several options, depending on the degree of infestation.
Fumigation and heating of the entire house are the only options
that ensure eradication in the entire structure. If the infestation
is contained in a small area, local or spot control may be effective.
However, hidden infestations in other part of the structure will
not be eradicated.
Total (Whole-House) Eradication
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 150F and
the temperature of the structural timbers reaches 120F. 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
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 -20F. The localized heat method involves heating infested
structural timbers to 120F. 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:
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© 2008 Goff Home Inspections, LLC
Contact Me Now for an estimate or to Request an Inspection
517-699-7787Goff Home Inspections, LLC
Serving Lansing, Michigan and surrounding areas