Termites - spot treatment or tenting - Please help

I have a problem, termites. Have any of you had this problem? And if so, how did you take care of it? This is the first time I have had to deal with this problem. This problem makes me nervous as hell.

Thanks,

Abner

 

Once you have termites it probably means your neighbors have them too. If the infestation isn't too bad you can spot treat and then replace the chewed up wood. When you see a tent over a house that means there's a major infestation. Also once you get them they seem to keep coming back. Either way you need a professional to help you. I'm not a big advocate of DIY when it comes to termites. Good luck.

 

I agree with sideman, call a pro. Many places will do a free consult.

 

The two times we've had the problem, the building was too big for tenting, and we had good success with orange oil treatment. Here's an article that explains the advantages (and disadvantages) of orange oil vs. tenting. Orange Oil Termite Control vs Tent Fumigation for Drywood Termites

 

bump - thanks everyone - Has anyone else had to deal with termites?

Some other personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Abner

 

Tent.

I'd rather know I got them- than hope I got them; especially given the price of real estate in California :tongue:

In all seriousness, my buddy did the DIY route and advised me against it moving forward (Its what you don't see). Which I know was hard advise for him to give because he takes a lot of pride in being a "hands on" type of person.

 

termites - bump

Ok. Here is the dealio. Tenting costs about $2,000.00. Spot treatement is about $3,800.00 and all the damaged wood would be replaced, including an interior door frame (inside the house) and kitchen area. I am thinking about going with the spot treatment because they replace all the damaged wood, including my outside patio posts, etc. I also see termites on the wood fence. What would you do? With the spot treatment they go underneath the house (raised foundation) and kill all the subterranean termites. This is not done with the tent job. Tenting pretty much is done and they are gone. ROI wise, I like the spot treatment because I would get the termites done, and the repairs done all at once.

Either way, I know the termites will eventually come back, but at least spot treatment will hold off major damage for another 20 years. I have been in this house for 22 years now, so it is time for me to start putting some money in to for the long haul.

It' funny to think that termiting (is that a word?) will cost almost as much as my MBA. Go figure.

So, what would you do. Please keep the comments coming.

Thanks!

Abner

 

I would never forget this place, it is like my home.

 

You should do UF's Online M.S. in Entomology specializing in Pest Management. It sounds like your house could be your master's project!

 

Wow! I had not idea there were degrees in pest management. I am going to tell my termite guy.