So the termites found their way into your home via the foundation slab wall and you didn’t notice them them. But one day you noticed a smudge on the nicely framed picture hanging on the wall. So you thought it was weird so you investigated and look what you found?
Yep termites! It’s time to call a Professional. Enter your zip code or better yet if your in AZ call ProBest Pest Management at 602-249-7378
Water rot
Water in wood can become an issue within a home or structure. No fungus among us, why yes there is. That little bit of moisture can cause a few problems if not caught in time. Notice the wood splitting and since there is enough moisture the fungus can grow. What if the house has a pipe leaking or rain enters the house, it will take the path of least resistance, so always conduct a thorough investigation if you notice something like wood damage or wood splitting. As it meets the ground it might also continue to wash away any termiticide that was there. So termites might be on the way next.
Soapbox Alert —– Soapbox Alert
One of the hardest things that I run across when dealing with termites in the garage are built in shelves. The problem is their location in regards to the expansion joint. Now I agree where else would you build the shelves, certainly not the center of the garage – that would be impractical. Here is my suggestion – don’t secure the bottom shelf. This would allow us the option of removing that shelf and drilling our necessary holes to prevent termites.
A pretreat is done just before the pouring of concrete and is designed to prevent termites from coming up penetrations of the slab of concrete. Post construction treatment is done after a home is built.
I often see termites in garages and have been intrigued as to why they occur in those circumstances rather than inside homes. I have watched homes being built and I think I see the garages being worked on last. Sometimes the concrete is poured in the home and the garage is poured last. I also seem to remember that the pretreat originally was done on the home part and wasn’t redone or even done for the garage. Now I may be wrong but I have seen that and I think this is why I see more issues within the garages rather than inside the home.
Water will find the path of least resistance and often times can cause more and more issues with a home. Let’s imagine that a chimney at the roofline is not sealed correctly and water makes it way to the ground. This water goes through the termiticide and eventually the termiticide is completely gone. The termites gain access into your home and more damage continues. So I would say that this is something we all need to consider when doing a quarterly inspection of our homes.
If you spot a water issue, figure it out and repair it ASAP or if you don’t want to just keep my phone number handy for the termite work that may be coming your way – 602-249-7378.
Normally I have noticed that they cut the extra cable and fill it in with cement. Post tension slabs, pull the concrete together by cables within the concrete. This helps to keep the concrete tight and prevent the concrete from cracking.
“Ants are so passe, You need a termite farm of your desk“
Photo by PPMA
Not sure how this will play out with customs but I think it would be cool to watch their activity. I will keep watch and keep you up-to-date on the progress.
Workers are the main caste in the termite colony for the digestion of cellulose in the food and are the most likely to be found in the infested wood. Workers are out and about 24/7/365 and constantly searching for wood.
One of the key areas in homes in my opinion is the garage, so keep an eye for the the expansion joint. I also recommend not placing wood, boxes or anything cellulose on the expansion joint.
Termites are always looking for food and guess what, that could be your home. What do you look for:
