wood termite treatment Archives | Natural Science Exterminating

11Apr2023

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

The Value of A Deck

Even the most nature-loving person will admit that nature has nuisances that come with its perks.

Your backyard as nature would have it may not be the most comfortable place to seat oneself or multiple people. A deck can transform your backyard from just a simple piece of land into a truly functional and comfortable outdoor extension of your living room, dining room, and kitchen. Home exterior projects are reported to “have the greatest return on investment (ROI). A new wood deck has an average cost of $17,000 with a 66% ROI and a composite deck averages around $22,500 and has a 63% ROI.”

The numbers prove that a deck is a worthwhile investment for the ROI alone—and that is before including the priceless value of the joy and relaxation that an outdoor living space provides. But the most common materials for decks, lumber and wood composite, happen to be what termites feed on. Termites feed on wood cellulose, causing billions of dollars of property damage every year across the United States. A deck constructed of wood that has not been professionally treated and protected from termites is essentially a buffet for colonies who are eagerly hungry to infest.

Protect Your Wood Deck

Termite damage equates to financial damage. Furthermore, a deck that has been damaged by termites has been weakened and is therefore structurally dangerous.

Celebrity actress Jamie Chung lived in her mid-century Los Angeles home for nine years before discovering that her deck was “totally termite infested”. What was initially planned to be a refinishing of her old deck during a backyard renovation led to the shocking discovery that the wood decking had never been treated to prevent termite damage. Chung’s deck had to be rebuilt entirely.

The good news is that decks can be protected from termite damage by professional treatments that are specifically designed to prevent termites, fungi, and rot. BoraCare is a salt-based solution that Orange County pest control professionals apply directly to exposed wood during the refinishing of an existing deck or the building of a new deck, lasting the life of the wood to prevent the wood from being eaten by termites.

A little bit of wear and tear is completely understandable for any deck, but it is also what termite damage is often mistaken for. Most homeowners are unaware of the treatment and care that are required for wood decking, so it is highly recommended to book professional termite inspections to detect potential infestations as soon as possible.

Termite treatments for wood repair, refinishing, or construction are often beyond the scope of standard home and deck renovations. It is best to call us to treat the wood during the refinishing of an existing deck or the construction of a new deck. If you have any questions about protecting wood decking from termites, you can call us to speak with a licensed pest control professional today.