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