Call Us Today
1-800-246-7378
E-mail
info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Category Archives: Termite Wood Repair

Categories Termite Treatment, Termite Wood Repair

Dana Point Remodel Rescued By Termite Spot Treatment & Wood Repair

The start of a home remodel is like waking up to the smell of your favorite coffee—as you inhale the aroma, you exhale excitement and determination. You envision how your dreams will soon become reality, and nothing can stand in your way. 

Unfortunately, life has a way of throwing a wrench in even the most meticulous plans and blueprints. Wrenches are tools that contractors use. And if you have hired a trustworthy contractor or team, they will act in your best interests when the unexpected arises. A shocking discovery in the midst of a remodel is what called us at Natural Science Exterminating to a site in Dana Point, Orange County, California. 

What looked like old coffee grounds at the baseboards turned out to be the remnants of an active termite infestation. Luckily, this property owner had hired Inspired Remodels, who advised the client to invite us to inspect the site, remove the termites, and replace the damaged wood.

Does Removing Termites During A Remodel Require Demolition?

Whether you hire a remodeling contractor or do it yourself, it is incredibly important to call an exterminator as soon as you discover termites, even if it stalls your remodel. Termites are pests that cause billions of dollars of damage to homes across the country every year.

A demolition is sometimes the best approach for certain remodels in the same way that tent fumigation is sometimes the best solution for certain infestations. However, any credible professional will not opt for these methods purely as an easy fix, or purely for the sake of profit, if a more strategic and affordable option would be of better service.

Our client as well as the team at Inspired Remodels agreed not to do a full demolition. Both parties emphasized the importance of removing the termites and restoring the structural integrity in a complete and timely manner, so that the project could safely proceed. We collectively agreed on a strategic approach: termite removal spot treatment combined with wood replacement to ensure that all areas that had been infested and damaged would become good as new. Furthermore, this allowed the client to avoid unnecessarily spending time and money on a full demolition. 

Spot removal preserves what is perfectly fine to keep. This approach notably requires a thorough inspection by experienced and discerning eyes to distinguish what can be preserved versus what must be treated and replaced. The latter is imperative for safety and prevention of further deterioration.  

To replace the materials and structures that had been damaged, Inspired Remodels acted in the best interests of our mutual client by referring the job to us. A collaborative decision was made to hire Natural Science Exterminating’s carpenters, who have both the experience and training to detect and replace termite-infested wood. This decision allowed both sets of experts to ensure that the project was executed and completed to the highest standard of excellence for our respective services. Once our work was done, Inspired Remodels proceeded to perform excellent craftsmanship without any interference from pests. 

When it comes to removing termites and treating damage on your property during construction, remodeling, or anything unexpected, you need an exterminator you can trust. Call Natural Science Exterminating to learn about our comprehensive pest control and management solutions.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

Categories Termite Inspections, Termite Treatment, Termite Wood Repair

Triumph Over Termites in San Clemente Apartment Tent Fumigation

There is nothing more exciting than a fresh new beginning. But sometimes, second chances are just as good as the first, if not better. Second chances represent hope, positivity, and resilience, giving us opportunities to triumph over challenges.

We are proud to share the story of how our team at Natural Science Exterminating treated and replaced termite-damaged wood, giving a San Clemente fourplex a second chance at a new beginning.

Comprehensive Termite Extermination, Repair, And Prevention 

The revival of this apartment complex was comprehensive, from tent fumigation to carpentry wood replacement. 

Natural Science Exterminating is known for prioritizing natural solutions and localized spot treatments, considering tent fumigation as the last resort. However, we also believe in being honest and realistic about the effectiveness of each type of solution. We do not believe in overpromising what a natural or local treatment can do when tenting is truly necessary.

In this case, we inspected the property and explained to our client that we believed the apartment complex required tenting, due to the severity of the infestation. Our client confidently authorized us to proceed, acknowledging that our work is licensed, bonded, and guaranteed. 

With all living beings, food, and drugs removed from the premises, tent fumigation involves sealing the property and releasing a gaseous termiticide that enters every nook and cranny. The apartments were not occupied at the time, which provided the perfect window of opportunity for tent fumigation and carpentry wood replacement. We proceeded to thoroughly inspect the apartment complex to identify all layers of possible damage and dry rot, and to map carpentry around all plumbing and wiring connections before replacing the wood. Click here to learn about Wood Repairs For Damage Caused By Termites.

Pest Control Mistakes To Avoid 

Despite living together in colonies, termites can easily enter into a home and wreak havoc to its structures while remaining undetectable and hardly noticeable to humans. Collapsing floors, walls, and ceilings may seem to suddenly appear when they have in fact been deteriorating rapidly. A key mistake to avoid is ignoring what may seem like a few surface quirks or oddities in your home: discarded wings and mud tubes, as well as wood that appears warped, sounds hollow, or feels moist. These signs must not be ignored and wished away. Do not put off calling an exterminator, as delaying inspection and treatment only gives termites more time to cause damage.

There are many ways to solve a potential pest problem and “prevention is the best cure.” Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to properties across the United States due to the fact that these critters directly feed on wood. Any property that has not been treated to prevent the wood from being a termite food source is at risk of being infested. Many properties are simply not treated during construction, which tends to be the only time the interior structures of a property are exposed to allow the wood to be directly treated by BoraCare. That said, a remodel that involves opening up walls, ceilings, and floors is an opportunity that should be seized to call a professional exterminator to Pest-Proof Your Remodel.

Professional Tent Fumigation and Repair

Natural Science Extermination has safely and successfully fumigated many properties for our clients. Tent fumigation and spot treatment are different techniques that are best suited for different types of  properties and infestations. Call Natural Science Exterminating for a free termite assessment of the best solution for you.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Treatment, Termite Wood Repair

Mission Viejo Termite Extermination Of Spanish Tile Roofed Home

The Spanish tile roof is a classic element of homes in California, inspired by time honored Spanish architectural design. Traditionally made with clay or, nowadays, concrete, tile roofing is durable and well-suited to buildings exposed to heat and rainfall, thanks to their distinctive curvature and interlocking, as well as thermal regulating nature. 

When treated and maintained with care, Spanish tile roofs can outlast other forms of roofing, furthering it as being synonymous with visual elegance and longevity.

We are proud to share the story of how our team at Natural Science Exterminating had the honor of successfully treating a beautiful home with a Spanish tile roof in Mission Viejo.

Our job was to delicately balance structural preservation and pest removal. Time was of the essence, as any further termite damage would risk the integrity of everything surrounding and supporting the Spanish tile roof, not to mention the roof itself. 

Termite Extermination For Spanish Tile Roofing

The tale of pests is one as old as time. Termites infest an enormous number of properties across the United States every year, resulting in billions of dollars of damage. 

While tent fumigation is the most absolute method of eradicating termites, tenting was simply not an option here. Tile roofs, while long-lasting, can be fragile under certain conditions due to their weight. Tent fumigation is performed with a gaseous termiticide that can reach every nook and cranny within what is sealed within the tent. While necessary in certain severe infestations, Natural Science Exterminating considers tent fumigation as a last resort, equipped with expertise and prior experience in removing termites from homes with tile roofing.

Spot treatment is effective yet precise, removing termites from specifically planned areas of the property, rather than throughout its entirety. 

At the heart of our pest management solutions is commitment to the safety and health of our clients as well as a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and unique characteristics of their homes. We treat each beam, tile, and part of the home as meticulously as fine art.

A complete solution involves inspection, treatment, and prevention. 

We conducted an inspection of the entire property to identify the infestation and property blueprint, including the tile roofing.

We successfully removed all termites from every corner of the property, including the roof, attic, garage, spot treating the infestation and its sources using specialized equipment and extension ladders to reach even the highest points.

Upon completing extermination, our final task was to preserve the home and its intrinsic historic beauty and heritage. We treated all exposed wood with BoraCare, a non-toxic, mineral salt based solution that prevents termites from creating damage by consuming wood for cellulose, their food source. BoraCare treatment lasts the life of the wood, preserving it to endure as long as the popularity and influence of Mediterranean style.

Alternatives To Tent Fumigation

Tent fumigation may be necessary in certain cases, but not all. Certain properties are not structurally suitable for tent fumigation due to limitations or restrictions. If an exterminator insists on tent fumigation, give Natural Science Exterminating a call first—we may be able to spot, treat or use natural solutions instead. 

Natural Science Extermination has safely and successfully fumigated many properties for our clients. Tent fumigation and spot treatment are different techniques that are best suited for different types of  properties and infestations. Call Natural Science Exterminating for a free termite assessment of the best solution for you.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Inspections, Termite Treatment, Termite Wood Repair

Anaheim Hills Remodel & Termite Treatment Success Story

Change can be both exciting and scary, especially given the preparation and uncertainty involved making the right decision. Many people do not like change. Others tolerate change by taking small steps. And then there are the bold ones—people who like to say: “Go big or go home!”

Even bolder are those who have the appetite to go big and go home! 

We are proud to share the success story of our work in the remodeling project of a client who expanded their house by adding a new kitchen and new bedroom and repurposing the existing kitchen and bedroom into additional living space.

When we received the call to work for a client who was significantly expanding their home, we were excited to be a part of their big change. 

As professionals in pest control and prevention, we consider it an honor to be hired to make it so that your house is home only to you and yours—not home to pests. 

The Perfect Time For Pest Prevention

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage to homes every year in the United States. Their target? Wood cellulose. 

Remodeling is the perfect opportunity to pest-proof your home from the inside out. Under construction or remodeling are some of the only times walls and floors will be demolished and opened, providing access to the interior wooden structures of the home. 

Bora-Care is a low-toxicity solution of a borate salt that, when directly applied, prevents wood from becoming a termite food source. Professionally applying Bora-Care to exposed wood prevents termite damage, fungi, and rot throughout the life of the wood.

Click here to read about professional BoraCare treatments to pest-proof your remodel

Pest Pre-Treatment & Inspection

Remodeling is often confused with renovating. While both projects aim to upgrade space, a remodel is ultimately a reconfiguration that involves extensive structural changes. 

Remodeling is indeed hard work. In the midst of budgets and timelines, you may be eager to finish the project and hang your hardhat up. But keep in mind that remodeling is a big change that allows for an in-depth look at what you would otherwise not have access to. It is important for a remodeling project to be used as an opportunity to ensure that all of the hard work you invest into the space will hold its integrity and value over time. The “extra” work of pre-treatment during remodeling can actually save you a significant amount of stress and money that untreated wood could otherwise cost you. 

We conduct thorough inspections in multiple areas for pre-treatment. We will inspect the exposed wood for any signs of existing infestation. If found, we will determine the extent of the colony and the severity of any damage. Natural Science Exterminating prioritizes natural spot treatments, considering tent fumigation as a last resort. In addition to inspections of the wood, the soil, foundation, and areas of wood-to-soil contact may be inspected if structurally accessible.

We work with your remodeling contractors to achieve maximum results with Bora-Care so that you can enjoy your transformation with peace of mind.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Pest Control, Termite Wood Repair

San Juan Capistrano Dry Rot Wood Replacement & Termite-Resistant Pressure Treatment

When it comes to repairing a damaged barn, the task can seem as daunting as trying to find a needle in a haystack!

But fear not! Calling a professional is an opportunity to save your property from collapse and prevent future damage. 

Natural Science Exterminating received a call in San Juan Capistrano for a 5000 sq ft barn that had dry rot on its beams. The beams needed to be cut and replaced as soon as possible, as the stability of the barn had been compromised, making it unsafe for use. Upon further inspection, we discovered that subterranean termites had infested underneath the property.

If your property has dry rot and pests, it can be both exterminated and restored through treatment by a licensed and experienced professional. We are proud to share how we successfully treated our client’s beautiful barn through a combination of termite extermination and wood replacement and pressure treatment. 

Do Termites Cause Dry Rot?

A common question is whether the wood has been damaged by termites or dry rot.

Dry rot is fungal decay in wood. Termites do not directly cause dry rot, however, they are attracted to the conditions of dry rot, and by their very nature, termites can create the conditions that allow dry rot to worsen. 

Termites consume cellulose, the plant fiber of wood. Seeking moisture, termites mostly feed on soft or decaying wood, while also maintaining their desired humidity level through digesting and nesting. Termites use their excretions (saliva and fecal matter) to build nests and mud tubes. Pre-existing moisture or moisture from the presence of termites can ultimately give rise to fungal growth. The fungi can penetrate wood more easily when it has already been weakened, leading to its decay.

Subterranean Termite Removal & Wood Pressure Treatment 

Tent fumigation or above ground spot treatments will not effectively remove subterranean termites, which infest the foundation and soil of the home. To exterminate subterranean termites, soil is injected with liquid insecticide, and the concrete or wood foundation is chemically treated through drilling. These treatments should only be performed by a licensed exterminator who is qualified to do so without causing contamination to various vents, ducts, and openings. 

Some properties in the United States are required to have pressure treated wood when the wood is close to or in contact with earth. Pressure treating wood involves pushing a preservative into the pores, creating a termite resistant chemical barrier. 

Combining Treatments For Dry Rot Termite Damage 

Is it possible to combine treatments that replace dry rotted wood, remove termites, and prevent termites?

Yes! Natural Science Exterminating specializes in performing pest control and prevention in conjunction with carpentry wood repair and replacement. Our combined skill set ensures that along with removing dry rot and repairing or replacing wood, we carefully inspect the property to identify all layers of possible damage and infestation. Speaking of layers, the carpentry process requires specialized expertise to work around any plumbing or wiring connections enclosed in the infested sites. If the presence of pests is detected, we are ready to eliminate every trace of infestation and prevent pests from invading again.

Natural Science Exterminating will remove infestations and treat damage altogether. During carpentry repair or replacement, we may discover and treat pests, which a typical carpenter will not be equipped for, as extermination calls for a licensed pest control professional. Occupants do not need to vacate the premises during the wood repair process. We do not paint the wood, however, we prime it to prepare for paint.

If left untreated, termite damage or dry rot can spread quickly, causing significant damage to your property. It is important to repair or replace damaged wood and remove the source of the damage as soon as possible to ensure safety.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Treatment, Termite Wood Repair

Drywood Termite Extermination In Swarming Season

As the seasons change, it is important to understand how the weather will impact your home. Seasonal changes affect the behaviors of plants and animals in the ecosystem. Changes in moisture and humidity are weather conditions to look out for. 

Keep in mind that your home can be susceptible to pest infestation and damage at any time of the year. Certain months are hotter and more humid than the rest of the year, which will affect the behaviors of different species of pests differently. Several signs of pests may become more apparent in the spring, summer, and fall in certain areas of the United States like California.

Termites feed on wood and cellulose-based materials, a behavior so problematic to homeowners that it causes billions of damage per year across the country. The presence of termites is a real threat to the structural integrity of your home. 

It is important not to mistake termites, which are far more than a nuisance, for other insects that are common in the spring and summer, like mosquitos and fruit flies. Hot and humid weather causes drywood termites to swarm.

You’ve probably heard of the phrase “like a moth to a flame”, given that insects tend to be drawn to light. Termites tend to gather on windows because they are attracted to light. Your windows may appear to accumulate what appears to be dirt. This is more than likely an accumulation of dead termites or termite droppings, which are an immediate cause for concern that there is possibly an entire colony hiding out of plain sight. Small holes or bubbles in walls are signs that termites are causing serious damage and must be exterminated immediately. 

Even as swarming subsides as the colony may have decreased in size throughout the season, the colony will ramp up breeding in order to replenish its numbers. As soon as the eggs hatch, the colony will be back in full force. 

The best way to address swarming is to hire professional pest control services for regular inspections and exterminations at the earliest sign. There are dozens of species of termites across the United States, each with unique behaviors, characteristics, and preferences for weather conditions.

We treat homes with the method that will be the most effective given the severity of your home’s particular infestation. Either a natural or traditional chemical solution will be used to exterminate, depending on the nature of the infestation. Natural Science Exterminating prioritizes natural and localized treatments whenever possible. Orange oil is a plant-based, organic method that dissolves the exoskeletons of termites, killing them upon contact. As a last resort, tent fumigation ensures that hard-to-reach areas are treated with termiticide. 

Exterminating will kill the existing colony and its eggs. However, a new colony may enter the home, especially upon the next swarming season, unless the wood has been preventatively treated. We use the industry gold standard, Bora-Care, a borate salt solution that penetrates wood and prevents it from becoming a food source.  

If you have any questions about termite treatment in California during swarming season, do not hesitate to call us to speak to our pest control professionals. We safely and effectively treat all types of termites so that you can live in your home with peace of mind.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890
E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Treatment, Termite Wood Repair

Pest Control For Stubborn Subterranean Termites

If you are wondering how termites got into your home, do not be quick to agonize or blame yourself. There is no need to cry over spilled milk. In many parts of the United States, pests are naturally occurring household problems due to environmental factors. The good news is that pests can be detected or even prevented through professional pest control and management. Homeowners should educate themselves on the cause of termite infestations and schedule regular professional inspections and treatments to protect their homes from pest damage.

California’s climate and biodiversity makes it a perfect host for pests of all kinds. Termites love moisture and cellulose; these pests cause billions of dollars worth of damage across the United States every year. Subterranean termites are possibly the most destructive type of termites, as they cause damage to the foundation of your home. Termites do not eat metal or concrete, but they are small enough to travel through small cracks of almost anything. Subterranean termites are unique in that they emerge from the soil underneath and surrounding your home, traveling through mud tubes as passages around obstacles in order to reach wood structures. Their swarming nature makes it possible for termite colonies to be nested hundreds of feet beyond the perimeter of your house. Some colonies may originate from another house and travel throughout your neighborhood, which is why annual inspections are highly recommended to detect new colonies. 

Subterranean Termites Require Specialized Treatments

Pest control should be part of your regular home maintenance. Extermination of all kinds of pests should be left in the hands of trained professionals, but especially for subterranean termites.

Subterranean termites can be more difficult to treat than dampwood or drywood types, due to their nests being underneath the home and in the soil. Tent fumigation involves tightly containing the air in your home through tenting and releasing a gas inside to kill the pests. Tenting is normally used to treat drywood termites; it isn’t the most effective extermination method for subterranean termites, because it does not directly treat the soil where the subterranean termites are nested. Similarly, orange oil can be highly effective on drywood termites, but usually not on subterranean termites. 

Treating infested soil is most commonly treated with liquid insecticide, which can be safely injected by professionals. Orange County exterminators who specialize in subterranean termites must have specialized knowledge in order to treat the soil and foundation of the property without contaminating vents, ducts, pipes, or outlets.

In some cases, the foundation of the home will need to be drilled through in order to thoroughly apply the termiticide into the concrete or wood. It is possible that the foundation of the home will need to be replaced entirely, which is why pest control and carpentry services should be completed simultaneously to treat the new wood with termiticide prior to it being installed to replace the structures.

If you have a pest problem, do not hesitate to call us to speak to our pest control professionals. We safely and effectively treat even the most difficult types of termites so that you can live in your home with peace of mind.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890
E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Categories Termite Wood Repair

Wood Repairs for Damage Caused by Termites

Termites cause severe damages to homes, often costing thousands of dollars in repairs, which aren’t covered in standard insurance policies. It’s been estimated that damage to homes caused by termites runs into billions every year. Wreaking havoc on homes and wooden structures, termites can be problematic for anybody who has to deal with them.

Damage to your home, whether invasive or minor, can impact their resale value. After all, no one likes to purchase a house infested with termites. In fact, unattended termites can ruin a home from the inside out.

Pest control methods must be implemented throughout the year to prevent and treat infestations. Orange oil is a natural termite removal option, while Bora-Care is the industry-leading traditional option. 

Termite-infested wood looks darker and creates a hollow sound. Termites can leave trails that appear irregular and also develop irregular patterns on nearby wooden or non-wooden items, often looking like a grid made of fine lines. 

Damage is considered as minimal when the infestation seems to be along the surface only. That means that the termites have not invaded the core of the infested area. Non-invasive damage is the easiest to repair and is most typical among untreated wooden structures.

The repair technique is intended at hardening the wood, thus lending it more termite resistance. Infested wooden structures can be treated with wood treatment products, like wood hardeners, which are special adhesives that fill in the fibers damaged by the termites. Hardening the wood lends to more termite resistance. 

The infested wooden surface must be scraped away with a chisel and sanded to make a smooth surface. Then wood is then repaired with wood fillers, or it will be replaced entirely with new wood. Sometimes, the termite damage can be so severe that the wood cannot be salvaged and must be repaired for the structural integrity of the property and safety of the occupants.

Professional Wood Repair for Termite Damage

Repairing termite damage may seem challenging to many homeowners. There are different wood repair methods following termite damage. The correct repair method should be selected only after assessing the severity of the infestation.

Both termite treatments and wood repairs are often beyond the scope of standard home repairs. For damage caused by termites, it is highly recommended to seek professional carpentry from an exterminator, instead of attempting to do it yourself. In addition to replacing or repairing the damaged wood, the process involves working around any plumbing or wiring connections enclosed in the infested sites. Also, surrounding structures should be treated to eliminate every trace of infestation. As such, professional termite exterminators with wood repair services are best equipped to deal with such complicated termite wooden repairs.

It is best to call an expert who can treat the infestation and repair the damage altogether. Natural Science Exterminating provides wood repair services to restore your home to the structural integrity it had before the infestation. During the carpentry repair process, we may discover and treat additional termites, which cannot be done with traditional carpenters, as this requires a licensed pest control professional. During the repair process, we may find more termite damage or dry rot, which requires additional repair and replacement. Occupants do not need to vacate the premises during the wood repair process. We do not paint the wood, however, we prime it to prepare for paint.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Copyright © 2022 Natural Science Exterminating.