Look for the tubes coming out of the ground in the subfloor posts, if you see little tubes, they are caused by Subterranean Termites which are the most voracious; usually come out after a lot of rain (late spring). If its near the garage have your termite co. put the drill in treatment spikes into the slab. If its not Sub. Termites they have been there for a while. Normal Termites are actually slow eaters. Im in Real Estate not a termite guy. By the way a friend of mine says the poison from Australia is the best but illegal here. You treat the wood once and never again see a termite. MM
FWIW, a lot of the experiences regarding termites posted in this thread seem to have a quick positive outcome. We have not had the same luck. About 7 years ago we found our first termites- numerous treatments and all sorts of different companies touting the best anti-termite chemicals and methods and we've had termites every spring since with the exception of this year alone. From what I've heard, cracks in the foundation if you're on a slab might be the worst possible scenario if theyre coming up through those. We've tried to keep all possible moisture away from the house and it hasn't worked. Drilling the walls hasn't worked and tearing down entire sections hasnt worked either. If you're lucky, they can be treated- it's my experience that once they come, you'll never see the end of it. Even if you treat your house, they go nextdoor and will be back the next year. Entire neighbohoods get infested- If in the spring you get all those "flying ants" (swarmers) for a couple days my suggestion is move out- apparently digging a trench around your house and pouring oil all the way around solves the problem but I'm just not so sure that's being eco-friendly. Just my .02 - best of luck
Speaking for Southern California, you cant stop the swarms, However most companies will warrant a complete fumigation (bagging the house), for about a year. Subterraneans can only be held at bay and can literally appear anywhere there is earth to wood contact. The can take a wall out in days......!! I hear the government is genetically engineering these for more Biowarfare.... MM
