Seattle Termites Control

Termite Prevention Tips

Termites may excavate the wood so that only a very thin layer of wood is left on the surface between the cavity and the outside. Then this layer is broken, they will cover the holes with mud like material, used to make the tubes. This is a mixture of soil, feces, and saliva.            Contact us 425 691 7775

Piles of wings: The shed wings of swarmers indicate termites have entered their next phase of development.

Buckling paint or tiny holes on wood.
Live termites: Reproductive kings and queens are 1/2″ long, winged and black or brown in color. Workers are sterile and usually hidden within infested wood. They are 1/4″ long, wingless and white. However, the absence of finding live termites does not mean that they are not present in the structure.
Avoid moisture accumulation near the foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Ground near the foundation needs to be sloped or graded in order for surface water to drain away from the building. Termites and ants are attracted to moisture.

  • Damaged wood: Wood may appear crushed at structural bearing points. Termite damaged wood resonates with a dull thud (hollow sound)when tapped with a hammer. Pick and probe the surface of an infested piece of wood with a pen knife and you will find tunnels running parallel to the wood’s grain.

Termite damage may be located by probing wood with a screwdriver, ice pick or knife. Inspection should be concerned with the exterior and interior surfaces of the foundation, particularly construction where wood is on or near the soil.

Termite control

  • You should inspect in the following areas as well:
  • Any wood construction in basement and crawl space (if present).
  • All sills, sub floors, joists, support posts, supporting piers, basement window frames, wood under porches.
  • Pay close attention to places where concrete: steps, porches, or slabs join the wooden structure.
  • All the hollow blocks, cracks in cement or brick construction and expansion joints.
  • Any scrap wood on the exterior, old tree stumps, fence posts and exterior frames of basement windows.

 

Termite Extermination

Termite control should be started as soon as possible to prevent the damage from becoming any more extensive. The entire nest should be destroyed and the factors that encouraged termite infestation should also be addressed to prevent future problems. Because termite extermination can be so frustrating and costly, it is a good idea to take precautions around your home to prevent termites from moving there in the first place. Some homebuilders limit the amount of wood used to build new structures and instead supplement with materials like concrete, steal or brick. Poisoned soil is another popular method, and includes laying soil with termite repellent around a building’s exterior to keep termites from even coming close to the building.

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