Lions, Tigers and Termites, oh my! So, I kind of fibbed about the lions and tigers, but we have enough termites in California to make up for it. I recently had a buyer do the Heebie Jeebie dance when she learned that the property she intends to buy is infested with subterranean termites.
The Urban Dictionary defines the Heebie Jeebies as "A feeling of minor fright, anxiety, nervousness, apprehension, 'the willies', phobic." Yep, that's about right. Knowing that ANY 6+ legged pest is crawling under your house is enough to keep you awake at night.
So here is what happens next. The pest company will send out a technician to chemically treat the subarea soil. Then they will drill and pressure treat concrete walkways, patios, steps and porches. I hate the thought of chemicals being used, but if this isn't done, the termites will destroy any wood they come in contact with. Although I've heard they don't like redwood that much.
Below is a photo of a termite "tube" coming up from the garage floor to the threshold step into the house. The subterranean termites live below and love moisture, but the have to come up for air ... I mean wood ... to survive.
We choose where we live, regardless of the consequences. Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Locusts, Alligators. Lions, Tigers and Termites, oh my.
* United States Termite Map. I guess Alaska doesn't count.
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