Termite and Wood Boring Insects - Is this live termite activities?
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MiamiCuse
10-05-09, 03:44 PM
I purchased a home in Miami, FL in 2006. The home was tented for termites in 2004 by Terminix by the previous owner but they did not pay the warranty.
When I started to remodel the home I found lots of termite damages but I did not know if there is still any live termites. When I bought the home the termite inspector told me no sign of live termites.
I recently saw two spots that makes me think there is live infestation.
This is an outdoor kitchen and above the sink and counter is overhang eave where the soffit is wood. The almond color stuff took two to three days to have this much. Is this termite droppings?
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020972.jpg
Closer:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020973.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020977.jpg
On the inside, I had one room where the ceiling sheet rock is removed. This is a picture of the roof with the ceiling removed. There are roof joists and rafters and also furring strips for the ceiling sheet rock:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020981.jpg
Directly below that on the floor I see this:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020979.jpg
Closer:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020980.jpg
Particles color dark brown size of coffee grounds.
Are these live termite infestations?
Is it better to call back Terminix who did it in 2004 or a new company?
Thanks,
When I started to remodel the home I found lots of termite damages but I did not know if there is still any live termites. When I bought the home the termite inspector told me no sign of live termites.
I recently saw two spots that makes me think there is live infestation.
This is an outdoor kitchen and above the sink and counter is overhang eave where the soffit is wood. The almond color stuff took two to three days to have this much. Is this termite droppings?
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020972.jpg
Closer:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020973.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020977.jpg
On the inside, I had one room where the ceiling sheet rock is removed. This is a picture of the roof with the ceiling removed. There are roof joists and rafters and also furring strips for the ceiling sheet rock:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020981.jpg
Directly below that on the floor I see this:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020979.jpg
Closer:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w67/143house/pub/P1020980.jpg
Particles color dark brown size of coffee grounds.
Are these live termite infestations?
Is it better to call back Terminix who did it in 2004 or a new company?
Thanks,
goldstar
10-06-09, 07:20 PM
Whether it's termites, carpenter ants, or any wood borer, it definitely shows activity. Who you call is your choice. I would stick with a well known national or local company, Call several and get estimates if you wish.
The main thing is to get a treatment plan started before it gets worse.
The main thing is to get a treatment plan started before it gets worse.
gunrunnerjohn
10-07-09, 02:23 PM
You need an electrician as well, that open box with the substandard wiring is dangerous!
Sandsy
10-09-09, 11:25 PM
Hi Miami,
The frass in the pictures you have posted does not appear to be termite workings. Possibly a spider or other insect may be causing the dust.
It's very unlikely, but if there appears to be damage to the timbers above, then there is a possiblility that it could be drywood termites as they will create workings which are like tiny ballbearings.
Borer os not likely either, but it is hard to tell from the pics.
The frass in the pictures you have posted does not appear to be termite workings. Possibly a spider or other insect may be causing the dust.
It's very unlikely, but if there appears to be damage to the timbers above, then there is a possiblility that it could be drywood termites as they will create workings which are like tiny ballbearings.
Borer os not likely either, but it is hard to tell from the pics.
fxpose
11-06-09, 11:47 AM
I've found similar droppings around my house as well and I've been treating all exposed lumber in and outside of the house with Timbor. I bought a 25lb bucket of Timbor which comes in powder form which you dissolve in water. The dry termite activity, for the most part, seemed to have stopped for the most part after regular treatments. I live in So Ca, btw.