Termites #2

(If you are from Florida you will know Truly Nolen Pest control. He was famous all over Florida for his antique cars parked 'everywhere', some featured here.)

After seeing the damage to the house I mentioned yesterday, I can see where in an area subject to termites a yearly checkup is wise.

Point to remember: A termite contract with repair clause WILL cost much more. Once you have the house treated, in 99.99% of cases you are good with only a yearly inspection with no ‘repair clause’. Like the pest control people I used, some do not have a 'repair' option.

At every construction site the ground will be treated for termites. At the foundation step of construction, the building inspector must see a certified stamp from pest control, before allowing any contractor to proceed. 

In the case of all the damage I mentioned yesterday, what appears to have happened, is a small wooden addition was added to the back of the concrete block home.  The addition may not have been treated.  It is obvious that the infestation and the building of a termite colony started there. That is where the door had fallen off.

Sherry and I do not have a pest control contract on any of our real estate (or wheel estate ;-) ), most folk do not because newer homes are treated well. However if you see any wood around your house, on the ground or out building with signs of boring insects, check around and find one of the boogers and see if it is a termite. Hey he ain't gonna tell you, but you can find his picture on the internet.

Imma tell you, if you go read about termites it will scare you. The pest control folk know what to look for and they know how to sell. For folk who live in areas of high infestations, a yearly contract is not a bad idea. Now there is something you should know. They ‘DO NOT’ treat your house every year, they will only treat it if they see signs of infestation. Too much of the poison (even under or around the house) ain’t good for you.

If you have lived this long without termite damage, you are probably good. This entry should not scare you as a home owner, but make you aware if you see a swarm of termites, catch one and ask it some questions. Then call the executioner.

Nite Shipslog

PS:  There are boring insects such as ants and the carpenter bee that will produce shavings/saw like dust, but can be controlled by across the counter purchases.