How to check your house for termites?

HIGH PROBABILITY OF TERMITES

There are two types of homes in southern Louisiana: homes with previous termite damage and homes that will have termite damage.  The average termite colony can eat about 2.3 linear feet of wood per year.and sometimes go years without detection.  In the worst case scenario, if it is an average sized Formosa termite colony, it could eat that much in a week.

The unfortunate reality is termite infestations are inevitable without treatment.  If you do not currently have a termite contract on your home, even if you have never had termites before, you should make it a priority to secure one.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

1. Rotten or Distorted Wood
• Doors
• Flooring
• Window Sills
• Furniture
• Cabinets
2. Mud Tunnels
• Inspect the slab of your home.
3. Tiny Pin Sized Holes
• Found in the walls and wood of your home.  
• There will be dirt in the hole if it is termites.
4. Distorted or Blistering Paint
• Usually painted wood
5. Termite Swarmers and Wings
• You will literally see flying termites or their detached wings

pREVENTION

Following the advise below can reduce your exposure to termite infestation in your home.

Cellulose

1. Keep anything wooden at least half a foot off the ground.
2. Keep wooden mulch 6 inches below the top of your home's foundation.
3. Distance firewood piles from your home.
4. Remove tree stumps, limbs and dead trees from your yard.
5. Trim any limbs touching your home.
6. Keep crawl spaces well ventilated.  The moisture buildup can be enough for a termite colony to develop.

Moisture

1. Install drainage or have your yard drain any excess water away from your home's foundation.
2. If your home has gutters, make sure the water from them is diverted away from your foundation.
3. Keep irrigation from spraying on your home.
4. Plants should be about 4 feet away from your home.

Construction

1. For new construction  be sure to have a liquid termicide applied to any finished grade areas before the foundation is poured.  
2. Be sure to use termite resistant building material.
3. Recently there is a new stainless steel mesh that prevents termites access to the home.  It is being heavily used in Australia and  recently Hawaii.  Except to see it become more standard here in the future.
4. Any home expansion should be treated for termites.  The small gap between the original foundation and the new foundation is large enough for termites to enter your home.  Termites can enter through a 1/16" gap.
5. If you have had foundation issues, you will need to have a pest control professional inspect the cracks and determine if treatment is necessary.

WHAT TO DO IF I FIND TERMITES?

Unfortunately, home treatment is not really a viable option.  There are just too many areas that an untrained home owner may miss.  This would leave your home open to more damage.  If you are under contract with a pest control company, you should call them immediately.  If you are not under a termite contract, you will need to call a pest control company in your area as soon as possible.