All wood to soil contact should be eliminated,including
attached fence posts, stair casings, door casings and
trellises. Masonry blocks can be used to raise the wood
from the soil or pressured treated wood may be used. Six
(6)to eight (8)inches of foundation should be left exposed
for visual inspection. Any shrubbery or foliage should be
planted slightly away from the house, also allowing for
visual inspection. If the structure has a crawl space, make
sure that there is good air flow to avoid moisture build up.
There are various methods to control termites
if you do not have the chance to start from scratch when
building. There are three basic chemical treatments used for
treating termites, these are repellent barriers, non-repellent
barriers and baits. Barrier treatments consist of a trench
being dug around the structure and chemical placed in the
trench. Treatment might also include drilling of patios,
driveways or even inside floors. Sometimes a wall injection
of termiticide may be required. Repellent barriers will cause
the termites to avoid going through the chemical barrier. If
the barrier is disturbed by landscaping or even cracking of
dry, clay soil, termites might be able to find access to the
structure. Non-repellent barriers do no stop termites from
accessing the structure. The termites will move through the
barrier, pick up the chemical and die. Baiting systems
require continual monitoring of the stations. Some bait
systems are used as stand alone systems, while others are
used in tandem with liquid termiticides.
Be aware that there are also drywood termites
found in Texas. The biology of these termites is very different
from the subterranean termites described above and are treated
in a different manner. For more information, contact
Wizzie Brown at 512.854.9600.
Reprinted from the Texas Cooperative Extension
of the Texas A&M University System as a public service to the
homeowners of Hyde Park.
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might have a spotted appearance from fecal
material on the wood surface. Wood decay can often be
confused with termite damage. A thorough inspection yearly
can detect a termite problem and be used to determine if
treatment is required; this inspection may be done by the
property owner or a professional. Many termite problems
can be prevented in the building stage, by using mechanical
alterations or sanitation. Soil grade as well as porches,
sidewalk, patios or breezeway should slope away from the
building so that water does not stand next to the
structure. At least two (2)inches of clearance should remain
between soil-filled porches or planter boxes and the
structure. This will allow for air circulation as well
as easier visual inspection.
