by PN Schiavone

Created on: February 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 06, 2009

Where you will find termites in your house may depend more on where you live than any other factor. If you live in southern California you would be more concerned about dry wood termites than subterranean. In Florida the newly arriving Formosan termite can be quite veracious and do incredible damage to your dwelling. In the Midwest Subterranean termites are the type you typically look for. Keep in mind, that rarely would you see actual termites crawling around your house. Most of the evidence is indirect such as fecal pellets, shelter tubes, spider web patterns under your painted wall, and finally frass. Frass is a fancy word that professionas use for insect debris mixed in with excriment.

The tools you will need for looking for termites are simple and you probably already have them. All you would need is a flashlight and a regular long screw driver. Professional termite inspectors use moisture meters and sometimes infrared cameras, but for the most part you only need the screwdriver and a flashlight.

Start the inspection on the outside of the dwelling. Look to see where the foundation meets the soil. This is very important as subterranean termites encroach from the soil to wooden members of your house. If wooden members of your house touch the soil it makes getting to the house much easier for the termites. If the top of the foundation is above grade than the termites will need to make shelter tubes for travel to your house. Look at the foundation for cracks, any crack in the foundation is an avenue for termites to get into the house. If you have a concrete stoop in front of your house concentrate looking inside and out for termite tubes, frass, and fecal pellets. Contractors will fill this area up with wood scraps from construction so they can use less cement. Another area to pay special attention is the bath tub traps of a house built on a slab. Water lines make an easy route for undetected termites to enter the dwelling.

After you have looked completely around the outside of the structure, you should look in the basement if you have one. Look at all the floor joists for water or insect damage. You will see shelter tubes in this area also. If you do find a shelter tube it is important to use the screwdriver to break it open. Wait and see if actual termites come out of the tubes. A careful examination of the foundation walls will let you know if you have a problem. If you find any suspect wood hit it with your screwdriver to see if it sounds hollow. Termites

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