| Termites are almost everywhere, and termite damage is rarely covered by homeowner insurance…that is a really bad combination. They cause $2.5 billion in property damage in the U.S each year. Basically termite problems have the potential to get worse the farther south and west you live. If you live on the Canadian line or Alaska you can stop reading…everyone else: read on. The Anteater isn’t native to the U.S., and they aren't easily domesticated, so that leaves four practical ways to prevent and control termite damage: 1) Build it right 2) Maintain it properly 3) Treat with chemicals or baits 4) Add termite shields The first two fall under the category of prevention - always the best and least expensive solution. Stay away from the chemical solution if you can. These chemicals are toxic and can reach the groundwater. Build it Right Most termites enter through the foundation, so any cracks and gaps must be completely sealed. Remove any debris from outside the foundation before backfilling, and use clean backfill. The foundation should extend above the finished grade. After backfilling, fine grading and landscaping, no untreated wood should be in contact with the soil. So if your builder has done his home work and cleaned the foundation framing stakes and has not buried debris near the foundation you’re ahead of the game. If you own a home with a crawl space foundation you should have a termite shield (a thin termite-resistant plate) between the foundation and wood structure or framing. Any seams in the shield should be soldered or otherwise sealed. If your foundation has outside insulation, put a termite shield along the top of the insulation. Termites will tunnel through insulation to get to wood. Termites love moisture, so don't encourage them to visit. The ground should have at least a 5% slope away from your foundation. That equates to a 6 inch drop 10 feet from your foundation brick ledge. Maintain it Properly Keep moisture and termite food away from the house: • Maintain that exterior grade to drain water away from the house; even if you change your landscaping. • Clear sticks, branches, leaves, and other items and keep it clean. • Fill depressions that might hold water. This will keep water flowing away from the house (and it will minimize the mosquito problem). It will also aid in the fight against foundation movement if your home is built in expansive soils. • Adjust landscaping sprinklers to ensure that the house is not being watered along with your lawn and garden. • Make sure splash blocks are in place at downspouts, that the splash blocks are in good condition, and that they still direct water away from the house. • See if there is leakage at your hose bib (outdoor faucet) when you are using a hose. • Inspect/replace the washers on your hoses periodically. Water from leaking hoses can run straight down your foundation wall. Treat with Chemicals or Termite Baits Chemical treatments to the soils around the foundations act as a shield against termites. Several different types of chemicals can be used and the method of application is particular to each chemical, but these are usually the areas of concern: • Soils along foundations and crawl spaces • Soils under appurtenances such as attached slabs and porches • Soil around plumbing or wiring penetrations Chemicals have limited effective lives, so many homeowners maintain a contract with a pest control operation (PCO). These contracts usually include initial treatment, annual inspections, and reapplication as necessary. Find a reliable PCO in your area through the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Add Termite Shields Proper placement and installation of physical barriers can provide termite protection for houses with little to no risk of pesticide exposure to the occupants. Shields of various types - aggregate, stainless steel mesh, and plastic impregnated with a termiticide - are placed between the foundation and any wooden structures, as described above, but they can also be used at other vulnerable spots in the house perimeter. Contact a licensed etymologist for more information. |
| Building Terms Glossary of Construction and Building Definitions |
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