Termite Control in the Home
Wood destroying insects and other organisms can cause serious
problems in the wood structural components of a house and may go undetected
for a long period of time. 
New Construction
All chemical soil treatments, bait systems, and
chemical wood treatment must be approved by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and applied in accordance with the EPA label instructions. In
some cases it is not feasible for a builder to arrange for soil treatment.
In this regard, the International Residential Code (IRC) by the
International Code council allows a builder to utilize pressure treated wood
as a measure of termite protection. If pressure treated wood is used,
however, it must be used in all framing members up to and including the top
plate of the first floor level wall. This includes the subfloor and floor
joists of the first floor. The use of pressure treated wood in only the sill
plate is not acceptable. In such cases, the builder must provide the lender
with a letter stating that the house is protected from termites by the use
of pressure treated wood. The builder must also provide the home buyer with
a one year warranty against termites. The use of post-construction soil
treatment where the chemicals are applied only around the perimeter of the
foundation is NOT acceptable in new construction.
Appraiser’s Observations
Appraisers are to observe all areas of the
house and other structures/areas within the legal boundaries of the
property that have potential for infestation by termites and other wood
destroying organisms, including the bottoms of exterior doors and frames,
wood siding in contact with the ground and crawl spaces. Mud tunnels
running from the ground up the side of the house may indicate termite
infestation. Observe the eave and gable vents and wood window sills for
indication of the entrance of swarming termites and note excessive
dampness or large areas where the vegetation is dead. Evidence of active
termite infestation must be noted.
Termites
Subterranean termites are the most damaging
insects of wood. Their presence is hard to notice and damage usually is
found before the termites are 
seen. Prevent infestations because if they occur they will almost always
need professional pest control service.
seen. Prevent infestations because if they occur they will almost always
need professional pest control service.
Signs of Infestation
Generally, the first sign of infestation is
the presence of swarming termites on the window or near indoor light. If
they are found inside the house, it almost always means that they have
infested. Other signs that may be found are termite wings on window sills
or in cobwebs, and shelter tubes which are tunnels constructed by the
termites from soil or wood and debris. Usually, wood damage is not found
at first, but when it is found it definitely reveals a termite
infestation. Anywhere wood touches soil is a possible entry into a home
for termites. Examine wood which sounds dull or hollow when struck by a
screwdriver or hammer. Inspect suspected areas with a sharp, pointed tool
such as an ice pick to find termite galleries or their damage. 
Control
Control measures include reducing the
potential infestation, preventing termite entry and applying chemicals for
remedial treatment.
Inspection
Inspect thoroughly to determine if there is an
infestation, damage, and/or conditions that could invite a termite attack
or the need fo remedial control measures. The tools and equipment needed
for an inspection include a flashlight, ice pick or sharp-pointed
screwdriver, ladder and protective clothing.
Outdoors
Check the foundation of the house, garage and
other buildings for shelter tubes coming from the soil. Look closely
around porches, connecting patios, sidewalks, areas near kitchens or
bathrooms and hard-to-see places. Check window and door frames and where
utility services enter the house for termite infestation or wood decay.
Also look behind shrubbery or plants near walls. Pay special attention to
areas where earth and wood meet such as fences, stair carriages or
trellises. Open and check any exterior electrical meter or fuse box set
into the wall, a common point of infestation.
Indoors
Carefully check all doors, window facings,
baseboards and hardwood flooring. Discoloration or stains on walls or
ceilings may mean that water is leaking and can decay wood and aid termite
infestation. It is very important to inspect where plumbing or utility
pipes enter the foundation or flooring. Also examine the attic for shelter
tubes, water leakage, and wood damage.
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| Prevention
Many termite problems can be prevented. The most important thing to do is deny termites access to food (wood), moisture and shelter.Follow the sugestions below.
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Chemical Treatment
Termite treatment often requires specialized
equipment. Therefore, it is recommended that you always use the services
of a pest control operator because he is familiar with construction
principles and practices, has the necessary equipment and knows about
subterranean termites.
Exterminating Termites
If you think you have a termite infestation in your house, you need to call a structural pest control company to conduct a professional inspection. To find a company, ask friends or coworkers for recommendations, or check the yellow pages. If the inspection finds evidence of drywood termites, you have several options, depending on the degree of infestation. Fumigation and heating of the entire house are the only options that ensure eradication in the entire structure. If the infestation is contained in a small area, local or spot control may be effective. However, hidden infestations in other part of the structure will not be eredicated.
If you think you have a termite infestation in your house, you need to call a structural pest control company to conduct a professional inspection. To find a company, ask friends or coworkers for recommendations, or check the yellow pages. If the inspection finds evidence of drywood termites, you have several options, depending on the degree of infestation. Fumigation and heating of the entire house are the only options that ensure eradication in the entire structure. If the infestation is contained in a small area, local or spot control may be effective. However, hidden infestations in other part of the structure will not be eredicated.
Total (Whole-House) Eradication
For the heat method, pets, plants, and other
items that might be damaged by high temperatures must be removed. The
house is then covered with tarps, and hot air is blown into the tarp until
the inside temperature reaches 140° to 150°F and the temperature of the
structural timbers reaches 120°F. The time to complete this procedure
varies greatly from one structure to another, depending on factors such as
the building's construction and the weather conditions. The procedure may
not be practical for structures that cannot be heated evenly.
Local or Spot Control
Local or spot control methods include the use
of pesticides, electric current, extreme cold, localized heat, microwave
energy, or any combination of these methods. Local or spot control also
includes the removal and replacement of infested structural timber. These
methods are intended to remove or kill termites only within the specific
targeted area, leaving open the possibility of other undetected
infestations within the structure. These treatments are NOT designed for
whole-house eradication. Any pest control company that claims whole-house
results with local or spot control methods is guilty of false advertising
and should be reported.
Local or spot treatment with pesticides
involves drilling and injecting pesticides into infested timbers, as well
as the topical application of toxic chemicals. The electric current method involves delivering electric energy
to targeted infestations. For the extreme cold method, liquid nitrogen is
pumped into wall voids adjacent to suspected infestation sites, reducing
the area to -20°F. The localized heat method involves heating infested
structural timbers to 120°F. The microwave method kills termites by
directing microwaves into termite-infested wood.
If you see the following signs in your
house, you might have termites:
• sawdust-like droppings
• dirt or mud-like tubes or trails on the structure
• damaged wood members (like window sills)
• swarming winged insects within the structure, especially in the spring or fall