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Turner Termite & Repair offers a wide array of services. From your typical termite extermination to fumigations, moisture control, and general repairs. |
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Subterranean Termite Treatments |
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Western Subterranean Termites are a little tricky and taxing on the technician. The objective is to find their source if it is possible. Subs can travel from distances of blocks under ground and pop up in your open- studded garage. Subs need moisture and soil, so they always have to go back down. They travel through mud tubes that they build as they feed on the target wood member. The consumed wood from the Subterranean is
re- gurgitated and used as the mastic for the mud tubes that they travel in. In a lot of cases, subs will come up through a crack in the concrete slab. In this instance, the slab treatment is necessary. A ¾ - ½ inch masonry drill bit is used in a roto drill and drilled from 6 inches to 2 feet down through the slab and into the soil beneath. These holes are usually spaced 1 ½ feet apart, depending on the size of the space being treated. This is effective in open soil areas such as planters, along the exterior of the property. The soil is trenched with a trenching tool such as a hoe or pick. The chemical is poured in the dug out trench, and then it is covered back up with non contaminated soil. In some instances, it is necessary to perform slab and trench treatments in the same area. These treatments are very effective with the right chemicals and can last years in the areas treated.
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Fumigations |
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On properties that are heavily infested, or if the infestation
is to impractical or inaccessible to locally treat, it is most likely
necessary to fumigate. Fumigation is one of most effective forms
of treatment. It is the only form of treatment that covers the entire
properly at one time. The process usually takes from 3 days time.
For more information about fumigation please ask your Inspector
on specifics. |
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Were not just Termites! |
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The state of California mandates all licensed Termite Inspectors to
inspect for “all
wood destroying organisms” and anything that might lead to “infection
or infestation.” There are lots of critters that eat your house!
Dryrot
is a fungus that lives on wood of many kinds. A timber has fungus spores all
over it. These spores are just waiting for some moisture. Once this moisture
sets in. it will cause these spores to grow hyphae. This hyphae will spread through
the heart wood soaking up moisture as it grows, turning the wood into a sponge.
It will also travel to other adjoining timbers. In a lot of cases, it can be
worse than termite infestations.
There is only one remedy! Get rid of the moisture!
There is no real treatment for Dryrot. In most cases the infected wood must be
replaced. In minor cases, the Dryrot can be cut out and treated with a fungicide. |
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Excessive Moisture conditions / Faulty grades etc. |
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The issues that might “lead
to infection or Infestation” such as water leaks in roofs, plumbing, water
stains, etc. These issues are usually secondary matters that can be easy to fix.
Faulty grade levels are common in single-family houses. This condition is where
earth or concrete grade is above the foundation of your home. This can lead to
excessive moisture problems, Fungus/Dryrot conditions, and Subterranean termite
infestations. Faulty grades in some cases are irreconcilable, impractical, or
very costly to repair for homeowners but, can be controlled and monitored fairly
easily. |
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Other pests that damage wood... |
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What else is there to worry about?! There
are several other insects that infest wood such as Beetles, Carpenter Bees, Wood
Wasps, and Carpenter Ants. These guys are not as much of a threat, but will be
on the inspection report with recommendations to correct. |
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