Termites...
I came across a HUD home the other day and was blown away by the condition, price, potential for resale, etc...As I was walking around the house I noticed that fence panel connected to the house had tell tale termite damage. I looked at all the other sections of the fence--none. Just this panel next to the house.
The house has masonite siding on a brick foundation. I plan on crawling under the house tomorrow to see if I can see any termite tunnels in that corner of thecrawl space where the fence is attached.
My question would be. Is it safe to assume if I don't see any termite tunnels in the crawl space that they haven't infiltrated the structure of the house? There is no feesible way to check the interior studs, etc., is there?
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Also, the house was built in 1992.
Q
Termites as well as other wood destroying insects can cause quite a bit of destruction without leaving alot of signs until it is too late.
If there are signs of termites then there are also probably moisture and grading issues.
I would have the house inspected by a licensed pest control specialist with permission from the owner to do a limited intrusive inspection in suspected areas of the house.
Most termites start at the floor and sill plate level of a house......you can remove various base boards and cut out section of drywall behind the base board for further evaluation.......obviously with the owners permission.
NC
Last year I had termites in my own house. Do yourself a favor reserch it understand what your dealing with, also if your planning on a resale you could be held accountable.
Any wood in contact with ground is fair game for food. Moisture problems go hand in hand with termites they need lots of water.
These aree just some of the things you can find by searching on the net. As I stated earlier research it.
ED
I have run across termite damage in brick foundation houses after opening up the walls to insulate/update. The termites had crawled up to the wooden members through hollow masonry walls (between the bricks). This is also common with block foundations.
As most of you know we here in Calif. now have the larger type of termite which were exported to these shores about 10 years ago. I mean they are really hungry and very clever, well I'v e seen one draw to an inside straight but other then that they really do a job on the sills. If you have cripples going up please check them and also where you are double up on studs stick a knife blade in between and turn a light on so you can really see.
of course Kalaterms are something else and that is another whole dimension.
I usualy have a service that comes out and sprays around the foundation line and where there is any evidence.
Now you know why I love this container to housing bit. I mean you should see the little bastards out there with their signs. Unfair, you are damned right and getting more so all the time. Love metal housing. You know there is no medical plan for tooth repair for elderly termites.
Cheers Lucius anti termite.