Bugged by Bugs? Protect Home from Wood Destroyers
by Thomas Kraeutler
Spring might send people outdoors, but it beckons bugs into our homes for a wood-wrecking feast. Two insects top our area's most wanted list for house munching: Termites and Carpenter Ants.
Termites
We're luckier than most because the north-east appears limited to subterranean termites, those that live in soil and not in a house. Southern climates are home to Drywood termites which can actually live in the house and can be harder to eliminate.
Our termites create nests 5 to 15 feet down in the soil. They come into the house to feed, and then return to their nests for water every day or two. This makes them reasonably easy to exterminate, by treating the house foundation and surrounding soil with a chemical pesticide. Once treated, the termites can't get into the house to feed and will go elsewhere for their daily dose of cellulose. Termite treatment usually runs $500 - $1000.
How do you know if you have termites? Usually, it is wood damage that signals a problem. Sometimes, however, you can see them or other telltale signs. Identifying termites can be tricky, since their appearance differs seasonally. In warmer months, termites "swarm" which means some leave the nest and fly off to set up new colonies. These termites are black or dark brown, about the size of an ant and have wings that fall off easily. Other times of the year, termites are off-white and can be found in the soil or infested wood.
Carpenter Ants
Dampness attracts these ants, so if your home is closely surrounded by trees or covered by a heavy moss growth, you're a prime candidate for these wood destroyers. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don't actually "feed" on the wood. Rather, they are excavators that grind out hollow areas in which to nest. So, if you have them, they may be living in your house and not in the soil outdoors.
You can identify a carpenter ant by its segmented body: a head, waist and tail. These ants are usually large, shiny and black but smaller brown ones are sometimes found. Carpenter ants also have bent antennas, which help to distinguish them from termites, which have straight antennas and don't have the segmented bodies.
An infestation of Carpenter ants can usually be eliminated by a powder insecticide with 1 to 2 treatments - although some susceptible homes require more. Expect to spend around $250 - 400.
Professional extermination treatments can prevent or rid an active infestation and should only be done by licensed, experienced professionals. However, home owners can help prevent bug problems in the first place with a few simple steps:
Minimize Moisture
Keep water away from your home and the soil around it. Keep gutters clean and make sure they discharge well away from the house. Soil around your foundation should tilt away from the building too. It's important crawl spaces are well ventilated; keep foundation vents open during spring, summer and fall.
Distance Your Wood
Don't store firewood or other lumber next to the house. It's like throwing red meat to the lions. (If you don't already have an insect problem, it's a sure way to cause one.) Always keep wood at least 10 feet away from the building and keep it off the ground to avoid causing decay and inviting insects.
Watch Your Wood
Avoid having any wood come in contact with the ground. If you have a wooden fence which attaches to the sides of your house, trim the bottom of the slats 1 to 2 inches above the soil. This air gap will keep the fence dryer and help prevent termites. The same rule applies to wood trim on your home, like garage door jambs.
If your home becomes infested by termites or carpenter ants - don't panic! These insects work very slowly and serious damage is rare. Take your time and shop around for a qualified exterminator and avoid firms that use scare tactics to convince you to sign up for expensive applications.
Note: Prices are from 1998.
Tom Kraeutler is a hands-on home improvement broadcast journalist and the kind of guy homeowners want to call at midnight when their basement floods. He earned his home improvement stripes as a professional home inspector, amassing over 20 years experience learning how houses are put together, and how they fall apart! Tom appears regularly on CNN, MSNBC, The History Channel, HGTV and the DIY Network. He's a columnist for House Beautiful and do! Magazine and his work has been featured in Smart Money, Reader's Digest and in hundreds of daily newspapers across the nation. 
