Termite and Wood Boring Insects - Possible termites?

I bought a house a year ago and had it inspected for termites. The inspector said there was evidence of either past termites, or past treatment but he didn't see any current activity. I thought I would get another inspection this year to be on the safe side. I set up an appt. and nobody showed..nice. Then I heard about putting sticks of white pine close to the house because that's the termites food of choice. If there is activity on the white pine, most likely there is activity in the house? Is this right? Has anybody heard of this? Thanks!

The best way to go is with a professional termite inspection and maintain the contract for the annual inspection. Professionals provide a warranty with their work. Doing so is a small price to pay for the investment in your home. Placing pine sticks near structure would tend to attract termites to your structure.

What part of the country are you in ? If you have had someone do a termite inspection, then you should be ok. On the other hand you ask should you have another inspection done. What type of foundation is the structure ? is the structure wood frame ? does the siding extend below the ground ? if yes to any of these, have an inspection once a year. Have the inspector teach you what to look for so you don't use up his time with no sale. The pine stick idea is good. I have instructed several of my customers to do this. Even if you have a hit on a pine stick does not mean they are in the structure. It just means there is increased activity close by. There is no attractant in the wood, termites random forage to find food. The evidance from a treatment may have been a preventative treatment. twelve is right, if you have a agreement with a co. keep it, if it has a repair warantee then gaurd it well, very well. Don't wait till they send you the renewal, find out when your renewal is due and don't miss any installments. I've seen accounts that were costly and a pain in the back side for some reason and the renewal didn't make it out of the office. What kind of treatment was done ? i.e. liquid or bait or timbor ?

Thanks for your input. I'm in Ohio. Last year the inspector just showed me one corner of my basement that had a trail. He broke the trail I guess so they could tell if it is a new trail or not next time. My house is brick (may be masonry veneer) with a concrete foundation (full basement). I don't have a contract with anybody. The previous owner didn't have a contract that I know of, and even if he did I'm sure it wouldn't have been transferrable. I haven't seen any activity, but aren't they visible only certain times a year? What concerns me is I have noticed specks of wood in cobwebs below/between the joists. But I just had a new floor installed above this area and the installers had to nail the subfloor to the joists (apparently this was never done). So, I'm thinking the joist dust/specks that I can see now are from the floor installation above?

I appreciate your help!

You mentioned you bought your house a year ago. Did you have a termite report/inspection and clearance done? When you say inspector...was it the termite co. or the home inspector?

If you had a termite report/inspection and clearance done, pull out your paperwork from that and check the date and how long they certify (guarantee) the work. If it has not expired, give that company a call. It should be free.

full basement and brick exterior presents possable problems. If you have done hammering above the spot it could be from that. If you can see the floor joists from the basement then just put some newspaper down and see what happens. Use a flash light at night time to see anything. Brick houses take more chemical and alot more time to treat right. Termites ( subterranian ) kind show them selves around spring time, may differ since you are so far north. I'm in FL and iv'e seen them as early as Dec. Now knowing what kind of structure you have please do the pine wood sticks around the foundation. With this type of structure the possable entry points are high and out of view. Just cut the 2x2 with a point and 12" long with a screw in the top, to give you something to pull it out with.Checl it once a month, If there are termites on it, call a good termite co. and only let them treat with Termidor SC. Good luck with the house.

Thank you for your help!

My house is a 3 bedroom ranch (about 2200 sq. ft.), how many sticks do you think I should use?

The sticks go all the way in the ground so only the screw shows at the top? or just partially in the ground?

Last question, do the sticks go right up against the house as close as I can get them?

Sorry, I'm definitely a newbie at this....

I would place them every 10' or so and 6" away from the base. Just be mindfull of where water saturation is high, just keep them away from that area. If your soil is hard or compact just cut them about 8" or so and yes leave the screw sticking above the ground. Oh and also put a piece of brite tape on top so it's easy to find later. Check them in a month. Also watch where your sprinkler or phone lines are when you pound them in the ground. Let me know how it goes. Happy termite hunting

There is no guarantee that termites will stumble into the 'bait' sticks. Should you discover that they do, then you need to be prepared to take appropriate measures to prevent termites from entering your structure. An annual inspection by a termite professional will protect your home from expensive damage. In the meantime, it is important to maintain conditions around your home that are not conducive to termites. A continuous termiticide barrier around the foundation is recommended to prevent termites from entering structure.

Keep mulch off foundation. Siding should be above soil line. Avoid digging within 12 inches of foundation because this is where termite barrier was applied. Avoid planting shrubs too close to foundation. Plant at a distance with consideration of size at maturity. Make sure soil is sloped away from foundation so that excess water is carried away and there are no moisture issues because termites are attracted to moisture. Gutters and downspouts should be clear and water should be directed away from foundation. Inspect basements and crawl spaces for termite tubes. Make sure there are no leaks or moisture problems. Do not stack firewood against structure.

Your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent can provide you with info on termite prevention and control.