Termites

Termites (Isoptera order) feed on wood using protozoa in their digestive system. Like Ants, Termites are social insects with complex caste of workers who forage, feed and groom other workers, soldiers who defend the colony and reproductives; the queen(s) and the new winged queens and males also called “Alates” who occasionally fly out to start new colonies (swarm) during swarming periods. In Marin and Sonoma we have three types of termites explained below, each living in slightly different environments and with different habits.

Drywood Termites: More common in Southern California and the Hawaiian Islands, the Western Drywood Termites (Incisitermes Minor) infests and nests directly in wood members. Infestations are more common in southern Marin, often seen on the south side of the structure and not noticeable until pellets appear below infested areas. To eradicate larger infestations we tarp & fumigate the structure with Vikane, Sulfuryl Fluoride and provide a 3 year warranty. Local treatments (no warranty) with Termidor and/or TIM-BOR termiticide are possible on smaller new infestations where infested wood members are accessible for treatment.

Subterranean Termites: Most common in Marin and Sonoma Counties, the Western Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes Hesperus) nest and emerge from the ground through cracks and/or voids in the soil and structures. They feed on wood but live in the ground and build mud galleries (aka tubes) to take back the food to the nest and others. We treat with Termidor termiticide along the structure's perimeter foundation and provide a 5-year warranty. This treatment method has proven to be 100% effective as opposed to bait stations that experience failure.

Fungi/Dry Rot:

Fungus is a plant; a microscopic mushroom that infects unprotected wood. Once the wood is infected, fungus grows and decays the wood where moisture and oxygen are present. Treating decayed wood does not remove the damage. Repairing or replacing infested wood with good quality material and repairs is the only way to eliminate damaged areas. Using pressure treated lumber in exterior or moist environments is best. On minor and/or dormant fungi infested areas, application of TIM-BOR and keeping the area dry will deter further fungal activity.

Woodboring Beetle Damage

Wood Boring Beetles: Most wood boring beetles in this area are Lyctids (true powder post), Bostrichid (false powder post), Anobiid (furniture/deathwatch) and Cerambycid (old house borer). They infest wood with specific moisture content and are mostly seen in wooded areas (Mill Valley, San Geronimo Valley, Lucas Valley and in western Marin). To eradicate large infestations we tarp & fumigate the structure with Vikane, Sulfuryl Fluoride and apply local treatments with TIM-BOR insecticide on small and accessible infested wood members. Smaller local infestation can be treated with TIM-BOR and encapsulated with a wood preservative.

Here are a few common questions our customers and real estate agents frequently ask.

Bait stations vs. Perimeter Treatments - What's best?

We don't use bait stations given their limited effectiveness and notorious rate of failure. Why invite the termites for dinner? Given the size of the bait, they'll likely find the house before the bait stations. Since September 2000 we have been using Termidor termiticide and have had 99.9% success to this date. It's treat and forget! Plus there are no quarterly service fees and we offer a 5 year warranty with Termidor perimeter treatments.

Tenting/Fumigation - Are there any residual effects?

Vikane Sufuryl Fluoride is a non-residual gas and it is used to deplete the structure of oxygen. Once the fumigation is completed, the tarps are removed, the structure is vented with fans for 24 hours and tested to verify that the structure is cleared and certified for re-occupancy. For more information and the MSDS check the website for Vikane.

Is Termidor dangerous to my family and pets? Termites are flying in my house! Why and what should I do?

Termites swarm to start new colonies. Sometimes they unknowingly swarm indoors, but the environment is not conducive to their survival and they will shortly die. Call us for a thorough inspection to determine what is the best treatment and to determine if there is any structural damage to your home. During the inspection, and depending upon the type of termite, we'll gladly share some tips on what can be done until the treatment is performed.

How can I get rid of dry rot/wood decay damage? How do I know if I have wood boring beetles in my house?

There are many varieties of wood boring beetles. Each with different infestation habits and some may be difficult to detect and identify, particularly to the untrained eye. Generally beetles are rarely seen but their damage is more evidence with dust falling from wood members. Tenting and fumigation may be the best treatment, however sometimes a local treatment will suffice. The best course of action is to obtain a professional inspection and report with the appropriate recommendation.

How can I prevent termites from infesting my home?

Termites are part of the ecosystem and do serve a purpose; they return dead and dying trees back to the earth. That's fine in the forest but not in our homes.

Here are a few tips and actions that will help against termite infestation:

• Grade soil away from the home to remove any earth-wood contacts
• Fix any plumbing leaks, especially in the bathrooms, the kitchen, laundry room and crawl spaces.
• Patch, seal and paint all areas subject to moisture intrusions (showers, windows, doors, exterior walls...)
• Keep the exterior siding well caulked, sealed and painted
• Check with a Geotechnical Engineer for any drainage problems
• Stored goods and wood material without any direct ground contact.
• Clear sub areas and crawl spaces beneath your house and decks free of wood and tree debris.
• Call us and have periodic limited inspections every 3 to 4 years.

Carpenter Ants:

Though they do not eat wood like termites, Carpenter Ants (Camponotus modoc) carve areas in between wood members and insulation to nest and raise their young. Once adult, carpenter ants return to the outdoors to forage for food. As they are part of the ecosystem it is hard to keep Carpenter Ants at bay. To control them keep all tree limbs and vines trimmed and clear of your home as they use them as highway access. You can also contract with a General Pest Company for periodic services and treatment.

Questions?

Send us an email, give us a call at (707) 838-6291 or check our Links page to other websites.

If you are looking for QUALITY Termite Inspection work, Fumigation Services, or other California Contruction and Remodeling work, PLEASE call us today. We will satisfy you and provide the best value available in California. We are licensed, insured and bonded, and you will be glad you called us: