I live in northeast US, while removing weeds near the tree trunk in front of the house, I found termites and ants. My home is 17 years old. Should I be concerned?
Last year, when I replaced the mailbox, found the termite again. Called home inspector to see if I had any infestation of termite. He found none. My home is built with concrete walls and have a basement. Normally, I put cedar mulch around the trees and house. Any info or help will be helpful.
2007-03-25 09:56:11 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Yes, I would definately be concerned. Termites are the best-organized enemy you'll ever face. They are tough, determined and highly efficient. Chances are that you'll see no evidence of their work until structural damage has been done. There can be as many as 13 to 14 subterranean termite colonies per acre. Each colony can contain as many as one million termites and they are able to travel up to 130 feet from the colony.
Discouraging Termite Activity:
The following are tips to help you improve conditions that are inviting to termites. These measures will not prevent or control infestations.
Moisture attracts subterranean termites. Moisture problems should be corrected as follows:
Eliminate any standing water and its source.
Keep gutters and downspouts clean, in good repair and free of clogs.
Use splash blocks where necessary.
Maintain proper ventilation and remove obstructions that prevent access to the crawl space.
Repair leaky plumbing or any drainage under the house.
Remove wood, such as scrap lumber, boards from foundation installation, tree stumps and firewood from the ground and away from the home.
Cut back all shrubs/bushes away from the foundation of the home.
Do not use wood mulch around the house, it is just bait for the termites, and attractes them to your house.
Get your house inspected yearly, or enter into an agreement with a reputable pest control company to treat your home, and get the best guarantee that you can.
Good Luck.
2007-03-25 12:03:31 · answer #1 · answered by Average Joe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USA Get rid of the trunk, or treat it so termites won't go near it. Contact a lawn/garden/seed store to find out what to use. I would also be worried about the house. Especially if at the top of the foundation wall, the sill plate is not preservative pressure lumber, and/or there is no sill seal or other termite blocker.
Take care of that trunk. Call the Terminix man to make sure you have not been invaded.
2007-03-25 11:08:58 · answer #2 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you certain they're termites? These insects live underground or in the wood they're feeding on, and normally don't like to expose themselves. I'm guessing you saw something else. Could you post a picture link?
2016-03-29 04:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
termites generally eat rotten or untreated wood. such as old tree trunks. personally, yes i would be concerned and get rid of the tree trunk. i drilled holes in mine and dumped salt into it. it took a little time but the trunk did die and i was able to kick it out
2007-03-25 10:26:03 · answer #4 · answered by bashfullyours1973 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋