Subterranean Termites: A Destructive Pest

By Miles Dabovich, High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal

While purchasing our home here it seems like my wife and I paid for an inspection of this or that, one that I noticed that was probably worth the money was the termite inspection. Subterranean termites are the most destructive insect pest of wood and wood structures in the United States. They cause more than $2 billion in damage each year.
In nature subterranean termites are beneficial. They break down many dead trees and other wood materials that would otherwise accumulate.
Problems occur when termites attack the wooden elements of human structures homes, businesses and warehouses. Their presence is not readily noticed because they hide their activity behind walls, under buildings, and behind siding or wood trim.
Homeowners should watch for subterranean termites and take precautions to prevent infestations.
Thorough inspections can determine whether infestations and damage are present, whether remedial control measures are needed, and what conditions may have caused the infestation.
Tools and equipment needed for an inspection include a flashlight, ice pick or sharp pointed screwdriver, ladder and protective clothing.
Where to check outside:
--Examine the foundation of the house, garage and other structures for shelter tubes coming from the soil.
--Pay particular attention to attached porches, connecting patios, sidewalks, areas near kitchens or bathrooms and narrowly confined or hard-to-see places.
--Check the soil moisture around or under the foundation to determine if faulty grade construction creates moist areas next to the structure.
--Check window and door frames and where utilities (air conditioning pipes, gas and electric services) enter the structure for termite infestation or wood decay.
--Observe roof eaves and guttering more closely for defects that might cause leakage and eventual wood rot. Inspect behind closely planted, dense shrubbery or foliage.
--Note particularly an earth-to-wood contact such as fences, stair carriages or trellises.
--Open and examine any exterior electrical meter or fuse boxes set into the walls, a common point for infestation.
--Carefully inspect wood materials next to swimming pools that may be splashed frequently by water.
Where to check inside:
--Probe exterior porches, doors and window facings, baseboards, and hardwood flooring. Be careful not to deface finished wood when probing.
--Carefully examine any attached earth-filled porches.
--Examine all known or suspected joints, cracks or expansion joints in the foundation and unusual blistering in paint or wallboard surfaces. Discoloration or staining on walls or ceilings may indicate water leaks that can decay wood and aid termite infestation. Especially inspect where plumbing or utility pipes enter the foundation or flooring.
--Check the floor covering for raised or split areas.
--Carefully examine the plumbing, particularly in bathrooms on slab construction. There should be access to the bath trap area. If none exists, build a removable plumbing hatch for periodic inspection.
--Examine the attic for shelter tubes, water leakage, wood rot or damaged wood.
--If the house is of pier and beam construction, thoroughly inspect the area between the floor and the underlying soil (crawl space). Examine the inside of the beams, chimney bases, hearths or piers for shelter tubes. Crawl space construction should have a minimum of 18-inch clearance between floor joists and the underlying soil, and at least 12 inches between floor beams and the soil.
Examine areas underneath or close to earth-filled porches, patios, planters and bathrooms for water leakage and termite damage. Remedial action may be required to control moisture. If water stands underneath the house.
--Look carefully at the top of the foundation wall where the floor and wall intersect.
--Closely examine plumbing and utility lines passing though the floor of foundation walls.
If after the inspection you fear you have a problem it is then time to call a professional control service. They can offer a variety of choices in chemical treatments and baiting systems to treat termites. They will also have the knowledge of termite and biology and behavior to apply the treatments correctly.
If you would like to learn more about termites logon to termites.tamu.edu for detailed information.