Termite and Wood Boring Insects - termite damage
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vicman
01-10-09, 09:04 AM
I live in southern Arizona and my house has severe termite damage. I am in the process and tearing out ceilings and walls to repair. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to help prevent this damage in the future. I have bait stations and use liquids and pellets around the exterior. They don't seem to help. The little buggers really like to "eat" the drywall. This is my second replacement of the drywall in under 6 years.
any and all ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.:madhell:
any and all ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.:madhell:
nap
01-10-09, 12:23 PM
time to call in the pro's.
I know little about termites but with your history, it's time to go PRO on their rears.
I know little about termites but with your history, it's time to go PRO on their rears.
Speedwrench
01-10-09, 07:24 PM
short of installing a barrier under the seal plate to keep them out of the wood either a bait station or regular treatment is the only way to keep them out.
life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies
life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies
twelvepole
01-10-09, 07:32 PM
Bait stations are not intended to be a stand-alone termite prevention. DIY termite prevention for the home is not recommended. The professionals have available to them the tools and chemicals to provide the home with a termiticide barrier. Termite inspections are of visible areas. The inspectors do not have x-ray vision and can not see into wall voids and other inconspicuous places. Maintaining a professional termiticide barrier and an annual inspection are worth protecting the investment in your home. As already suggested, call in the pros!
vicman
01-10-09, 08:05 PM
Sorry if I was misleading. The PRO'S (more than 1) are the ones handling the bait stations and treatments. However, they won't guarantee that what they do will prevent termites from entering the home. ( I also have interior bait stations and inspections 'windows' in the walls. I have also been PAYING for inspections every 6 months. With what I have experienced, I truly believe the money has been wasted. Still appreciate all the input.:madhell:
tcampbell
01-11-09, 07:44 AM
It sounds like you should read my web page. You click on the termite damage picture and see if you have heard any of the listed comments from your provider.
Chemicals have always been available to provide a barrier to termites if it is properly applied and maintained. My experience is that across the country providers do not do that. I have looked at thousands of termite customer files. This is what happened in every file but one.
campbelllitigation.com - Campbell Law (http://www.campbelllitigation.com)
Chemicals have always been available to provide a barrier to termites if it is properly applied and maintained. My experience is that across the country providers do not do that. I have looked at thousands of termite customer files. This is what happened in every file but one.
campbelllitigation.com - Campbell Law (http://www.campbelllitigation.com)
nap
01-11-09, 01:32 PM
campbell, it is obviously a method of advertising but honestly, it is so appropriate. Not sure if the mods will allow it as is.
here is a bit more of my limited knowledge of termites;
my understanding; you do not treat to prevent infestation, especially if you already have an infestation. Termites need water to survive and as their life goes on, one thing they do is leave the building and return to the ground to quench their thirst (I don;t know but I can picture a little tiny termite drinking fountain somewhere).
The poison is then intended to kill them as they contact it.
I believe to kill an active infestation quickly, you would need to tent the house and fumigate, or at least, utilize a modest amount of minimally desctructive treatment of suspected areas of the building. The problem with that is, you aren;t sure you got all of 'em.
and yes, inspectors do have x-ray vision, of sorts, if they want to spend the money. There are optical viewers available that can be inserted into walls and other unviewable areas that do allow the inspector to inspect.
here is a bit more of my limited knowledge of termites;
my understanding; you do not treat to prevent infestation, especially if you already have an infestation. Termites need water to survive and as their life goes on, one thing they do is leave the building and return to the ground to quench their thirst (I don;t know but I can picture a little tiny termite drinking fountain somewhere).
The poison is then intended to kill them as they contact it.
I believe to kill an active infestation quickly, you would need to tent the house and fumigate, or at least, utilize a modest amount of minimally desctructive treatment of suspected areas of the building. The problem with that is, you aren;t sure you got all of 'em.
and yes, inspectors do have x-ray vision, of sorts, if they want to spend the money. There are optical viewers available that can be inserted into walls and other unviewable areas that do allow the inspector to inspect.
Dutch1962
01-11-09, 07:48 PM
Did the inspectors tell you 'Drywood' Termites or Subterranean.
It makes all the difference in the world and could explain how you are not having sucess. Subs need moisture and will return to the soil--also it's part of the feeding process. On the trip down is where they'll pick up the termiticide,share it with the clolony and everyone dies.Drywoods however do not require such moisture and never need to reach the soil. If you have drywoods then all the soil treatments in the world won't help. Arizona is filled with good termite people. Look for those companies in the phone book. I'd be surprised if someone could'nt help. Here's a link on what to look for when choosing a company. Choosing the right pest control company | Pest Cemetery (http://pestcemetery.com/?p=125) I hope this helps.
Good Luck
It makes all the difference in the world and could explain how you are not having sucess. Subs need moisture and will return to the soil--also it's part of the feeding process. On the trip down is where they'll pick up the termiticide,share it with the clolony and everyone dies.Drywoods however do not require such moisture and never need to reach the soil. If you have drywoods then all the soil treatments in the world won't help. Arizona is filled with good termite people. Look for those companies in the phone book. I'd be surprised if someone could'nt help. Here's a link on what to look for when choosing a company. Choosing the right pest control company | Pest Cemetery (http://pestcemetery.com/?p=125) I hope this helps.
Good Luck