Another sign of termites in the house is the presence of termite tubes (Figure 8). Termites make these earth-colored tubes for a number of reasons, primarily as a protected runway from the earth to the wood they feed on. Moreover, these tubes may serve as swarming exits for the winged termites. Look for these tubes on the cellar walls, on wooden posts, wall studs, mudsills, and door and window trim. Wood embedded in earth or in concrete cellar floors is especially susceptible to termites.

The extent of damage to structural timbers and woodwork can be determined by a careful inspection of the building. Although you may choose to make the inspection yourself, we recommend you have a professional pest control operator inspect the building. Licensed pest control companies have individuals with experience in detecting termite infestations that many laypeople would otherwise overlook.

All woodwork in suspect areas should be probed for soundness and visually inspected for any sign of mud tunnels. An awl, ice pick, screwdriver, or similar instrument is commonly used to probe the wood. After the area and extent of infestation are determined, control measures can be planned.

Termite control in a building can involve structural or chemical (soil treatment and/or baiting) methods. Either method when used alone may provide the desired results, but when structural and chemical methods are combined, the most satisfactory results are often obtained.

Structural Modification Methods - The less suitable the site or structure is for termites, the less likely a colony will become established and flourish. Therefore, the following are considered beneficial in preventing and controlling termites:

<(1) Remove all wooden debris (stacks of lumber or firewood) from the vicinity of the building. Replace any wooden posts, steps, trellises, etc., that are in contact with the soil with non-cellulose materials or pressure-treated lumber.

(2) Replace badly damaged timbers with sound materials. Use pressure-treated wood at places where wood must be in contact with soil. Where possible, do not permit any wood within 18 inches of the soil.

<(3) Provide adequate ventilation and drainage for basements, cellars, and crawl spaces. Be certain that the grade level will drain away from the building.

<(4) Fill all visible cracks and voids in the foundation with concrete or suitable caulking compound.

(5) Reduce soil moisture near the structure by directing run-off away from the foundation. Gutters, downspouts, and French drains should be correctly installed and operational; surface drainage should flow away from the structure.

Soil Treatment/Barrier Control - The principle of soil treatment control for termites is to establish a treated barrier of soil between the wood (food) in the building and the colony or nest in the soil. Such a chemical barrier will kill and/or repel any termites attempting to move through it. Treatments may involve the trenching of soil adjacent to the exterior foundation wall down to the footers, and replacement of the soil after it is mixed with the termiticide; soil injection of a liquid termiticide, under pressure, through a hollow rod to saturate the soil adjacent to the foundation; and the drilling of concrete slabs, porches, and patios to reach the soil adjacent to the foundation beneath these structures.

Many different soil termiticides are available. However, because of the great number of variables at any location, it is difficult to predict which chemical will perform "best" at your site. The issue of which treatment to select will be addressed in the following section titled "Termite Treatment Warranties."

Note: We do not recommend that homeowners attempt to treat their own homes because of the difficulty in obtaining termiticides, the specialized nature (and costs) of the equipment necessary to properly apply these insecticides, and the human experience factor involved in establishing a continuous barrier within the soil.

Termite Baits - In recent years, termite baits have gained in popularity. This alternative to liquid barrier treatments is a welcome addition and will assist in the battle against termite infestations. Baiting involves the use of an attractant (wood stakes, cardboard, or other cellulose-based material) to establish termite feeding. The active ingredient (insecticide) is either added after feeding begins, or may be included in the initial baiting. Termites feeding on the treated material will carry the toxicant back to the colony where it adversely affects the colony, possibly eliminating the entire colony.

Baits are especially important in treating structures with wells or springs close to the foundation; drainage tiles around the foundation; air ducts under or imbedded in the slab; or in situations where a perennial high water table renders conventional soil treatment ill-advised. Although data suggest they may be valuable as a stand-alone treatment, many of the factors that affect baiting efficacy are poorly understood. As with soil application of termiticides, it is recommended that licensed, experienced pest control companies be hired to provide a baiting service. Baiting, in conjunction with a partial (or complete) soil treatment may be advisable.

Termite Treatment Warranties - Most licensed pest control companies provide warranties for termite treatments. You should carefully review the conditions, limitations, and yearly costs associated with warranty renewals. Warranties for subterranean termite control will not extend to control of any other wood-destroying organisms such as wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, or other termite species (i.e., drywood termites). Companies will also limit their liability on buildings that have structural alterations that have disturbed the soil adjacent to the foundation or where additions to the original structure have not been treated.

Probably the most difficult aspect of warranty coverage involves the replacement of items damaged by termites subsequent to treatment efforts. It is understandable that termite companies would not want to be held liable for damages that have occurred before their treatment. However, even a very thorough inspection of the premises may not uncover all existing damage. Therefore, it is important to have a thorough examination performed before treatment and have an accurate and detailed accounting of all current and past termite activity. Whenever possible, obtain a damage replacement clause with your warranty.

Finally, you should determine the yearly termite warranty renewal fees to maintain your home. It is common for companies to charge a yearly fee of ten percent (10%) of the original treatment price each year to renew the warranty. Obviously, after 10 years you have paid for an additional treatment, but with the current high treatment failure rates (20-30 percent in some areas) for subterranean termites, it may be advisable to keep the warranties in effect for long periods of time. It is advisable to maintain warranties for at least one to two years to determine if control efforts were successful.

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