By Lisa Turner
Columnist
A reader wrote asking about termites. “I’m from Florida and every home we bought or sold had termites. Is it too cold for termites here in the mountains?”
It’s not too cold here for termites. In fact, termites can be found to some degree through nearly all of the continental United States. If you live in Bangor, Maine, there is almost no termite activity; if you live in western North Carolina, there is heavy termite activity.
Termites have been on the earth since the time of the dinosaurs. They cause billions of dollars of damage every year to our homes. Here’s what you need to know.
We have what is called the Eastern Subterranean Termite. These wood-lovers live underground in the soil, and are the most destructive group of termites in the United States. The group includes the very aggressive Formosan termite. They are voracious wood eaters (a Formosan colony can consume up to a thousand pounds of wood a year) and eat some surprising things, like plastic plumbing pipes, sub-flooring, and insulation.
Here are some rules to keep termites out of your home.
- Get a termite inspection from a qualified pest control company every year. They will give you a written warranty that certifies that your property has been inspected, and if termites are identified within the contract period, they will treat your house at no charge.
- If you are buying or selling a home, make sure that a termite inspection is conducted by a licensed pest control company. Your real estate agent will suggest this as part of the due diligence checklist. Make sure it is done. The general condition inspection, conducted by a state-licensed home inspector, does NOT include a termite inspection. Home inspectors are not allowed to conduct termite inspections in North Carolina because they are not licensed pest control companies. Confusion over this responsibility has caused financial hardship to countless new homeowners. Although 99% of realtors understand this, you as the buyer are ultimately going to be responsible.
- Eliminate water leaks and wet areas in and around your home. Termites love dampness. Take a walk around the outside. Where is the soil level? Is it at least six to eight inches below your wood siding? If it’s closer than that, you may be inviting termites to tunnel up. Is the soil damp near the house? If it is, your gutters are not doing their job and should be repaired. Is there any wood stored alongside the house? Find a different location away from the home. Termites and other creatures (Brown Recluse spiders especially) love damp wood piles.
- Take a look at the slope of your soil (called “grade”) around the house. It should be sloping away – at least one inch per foot for at least six feet – to keep water from pooling near your foundation walls. On the upslope of your mountain home you should have drains or a swale to lead water away. Dry soil next to your foundation will also mean your basement or crawlspace will be drier.
- Seal up areas where pests can enter your home. Spiders, beetles, scorpions, and snakes would all love to get into your home in addition to termites.
Remove dampness and access, combine with a periodic professional evaluation, and you will be able to sleep at night without any hidden crawlies.
Columnist Lisa Turner is a local engineer, building contractor, and former home inspector. Lisa can be reached by email at Lisa@Lisaturner.com