Termite advice
Several years ago, we had a small subterranean termite infestation.
We got Terminix to install this "in-ground" baiting system, and as
part of our contract they do an annual inspection.
The annual inspection was today, and the inspector found a small clump
of pellets, under our outside kitchen door post, (less than 2 square
inches) and promptly declared that we needed to have our house tented
(he claimed this was drywood termite activity). This was the only
termite evidence that he found.
I wasn't here for the inspection, so I don't know why he claimed this
was drywood and not subterranean activity. I know that you can tell
by the shape of the pellets, but I really couldn't tell if the pellets
were rounded (subterranean) or hexagonal (drywood) with my small
magnifying glass. I saved the pellets and swept the area clean - so
that we could see if there was new activity.
Since tenting is such a hassle, I've seen recommendations such as:
1) Do a localized treating (basically they drill holes in the nearby
wooden posts and squeeze in some kind iof poisin) and see if any
activity recurs in the same location.
2) Don't bother with a localized treating (it's worthless) just see if
the termite activity recurs.
3) Drywood termites shouldn't be ignored, but they work more slowly
than subterranean termites, so you can wait a while before deciding to
tent.
Does anyone have any opinions as to the truth of (1), (2) and (3)?
Should we bite the bullet and tent as soon as possible?
Also, how can you tell if the pellets are from drywood or subterranean
termites?
(As a reference point, Terminix also declared that we had drywood
termites (in a different but nearby location) when they installed the
baiting system, again based on an accumulation of pellets; however,
one of the contractors that advertises on this site suggested that the
concrete near this wooden post was poured too high (relative to the
foundation slab) causing the wooden post to stay wetter than it should
during the rainy season and that there was never a termite problem. I
took this contractor's advice, and we never had any more termite
activity in that area.)
Thanks
[email protected]
Palo Alto
Call another termite company to do an inspection. Don't tell them anything, unless the baiting system is visible. In other words, make them do their job, look for activity.
They will do this inspection for free.
Well, I'm no expert and people have probably heard more than enough from me re: termites. If you haven't already, use the search button at the top of the page and spend some time going through the posts. A lot of people have shared their experience and insights.
A couple of quick comments:
- you got good advice from the previous poster--get a second opinion. And don't just get any opinion, get it from a termite company who works with Eichlers. And don't forget to check their license status (pest control board) and BBB track record.
- it's important to determine if you've got subterranean, drywood, or both. That will tell you your options. While I'm not keen on chemicals, I prefer a sure fix to a 'wait and see' or 'a spot here, a spot there' approach.
(With drywood termites, the nest is in your house. Your best bet to eradicat it is with tenting. With subterranean, the nest could be 30' away underground. You're best protection is a chemical barrier around your foundation.)
- in any case, inspect your property and make any necessary changes so your home is less inviting. Keep plantings and irrigation away from the siding--it provides and hides an ideal situation for subterranean activity. Seal up cracks best you can around the exterior of your house to discourage drywood entry. Don't store old wood or tree debris in your yard.
Good luck.
Jake
P.S. Did you say Terminix did an *annual* inspection? I assume that is in addition to their monthly/frequent inspection of the baiting stations, correct?
Yes - this annual inspection is in addition to the monthly inspection of the baiting stations.
We know for sure that we have (or at least had) the subter type (they were swarming in our kitchen and the 2 types of termites have different distinctive looks). We got the baiting stations, because I got a good recommnedation from a co-worker who had got the same baiting station solution.
I know that if you see subter activity (i.e. pellets), it's possible that the nest is under your neighbor's house. But if you see drywood pellets, can the nest be in your neighbor's house, or would the nest have to be in your house?
I *do* trust Terminix's inspection. The real question was, "Do you need to tent when you only have less than 2 square inches of pellets?"
