OY! freaking Termites! If it isn't one thing it's another.

[mikester]

So...in preparation for a small bathroom remodel I found some active termites. I can see where they are active, there was a shower there that I demoed and most of that wood is going away anyway. The problem is they are in the sub floor as well. So I am thinking that part of the sub floor has to go as well of course. I just hope the joists are not damaged. If they are what do I do?

What to do; right now is a very bad time for me to think about a fumigation, the bill to do it and the fact that my wife is 7 1/2 months pregnant...well...yeah. Funds are very tight right now so as I said I don't think I could manage a fumigation. We have had some 'avoidance' work done over the last 18 months or so to prevent problems. We did have a 'borate' treatment about a year ago but it seems that this spot was missed but I do not think it was their fault - its in a closet that would have been impossible for them to inspect.

I'm at my wits end I guess...lately its just one set back after another. My wife's going to take the news fantastically I know...

[KaptKaos]

Bummer.

I have no clue what to do, but will help if you need it. Just let me know.

[Dueller]

First thing I would do is go thru your paperwork on the treatment in the past few years. Some contracts hold the exterminater responsible for damage of active infestation after treatment.

[mikester]

Here's a picture of the area - there is an obviously water damaged wall there (the corner of the shower was leaking). That wood is going away and the plan was to build a new wall there. The area I'm worried about is the floor. The area in question is over my garage so getting to the underside is actually fairly easy - I just have to clean out the garage.

[sammyg2]

Find out of they are subterranean or dry wood termites. Subterranean termites need moisture and have mud tunnels to the moist ground. Since it was down low and there was water evidence, that's probably what they are. If that's what you have then you will have to have the ground poisoned around the infestation. If they are dry wood termites hen you will have to have the wood treated.
Where I live termites are a fact of life. Everyone has them, you just deal with it and try and keep them under control.

[mikester]

For reference I am just north of you.

[sammyg2]

They say that every house in so Cal has either active termites or some form of termite damage. I believe it.

I have dry wood termites eating away at my house right now. I know where they are and I keep fighting the battle and keep the damage to a minimum, but there's simply no way to get rid of them permanently without building a concrete house. I focus more of my attention on spot-treating and prevention of spreading by swarming. If I see a hole or wings I go on the offensive bit time.
Even if I tented the entire house they would probably be back in 3 months.

[rusnak]

Mike,

we deal with termites constantly here. Terminex can do a free inspection, and are reasonable. You probably have the same kind of termites that I do, and we just treat the ground. If your house is surrounded by water and dirt, then you have an easy way to treat the termites, and should remove the water.

[look 171]

Mike,

Button it up and get on with the bath remod. if its structurally sound. Get it done before the baby gets here. she will have your ass if you don't. We built a brand new kitchen before first boy. Just a year ago, we had our master bath and the entire bottom floor done. I just took time off and have the crew finish my house before she kills me. I am a contractor. Our bread and butter is the custom end kitchen and baths. We design and build them.

After the baby is a little older (maybe a year later) get away for the weekend, and have the house tented. YOu guys will like the time away. By then, you don''t have to carry so much ***** with you. is this your first baby?

Its ideal to get rid of all of the infested wood, but somwtime it isn't always possible. take a larger pic of the area and I'll let you know. It is 1x sub floor or 2x. You can get rid of it by replacing it with ply wood. Builb it up flush with the existing floor. Most people don't know that when you buy new lumber from the yard, it already may have termites in the new wood already. I always suggest to clients that have the place one and replace what your can and tent the house. You kill every one of those little fuchers. What part of LA are you in? talk to your contractor about the problem and see what he thinks. If you need an pinion or advice let me know.

[dipso]

Originally Posted by mikester

Here's a picture of the area - there is an obviously water damaged wall there (the corner of the shower was leaking). That wood is going away and the plan was to build a new wall there. The area I'm worried about is the floor. The area in question is over my garage so getting to the underside is actually fairly easy - I just have to clean out the garage.

That doesn't look that bad, rip up the 2x6 and replace it before you set your new pan.

It looks like just one is bad maybe two or three, big deal. While their up check out the joists and if necessary treat them. Should be no big deal. This can all be done from up top.

If a joist looks damaged and has you worried you can always sister another joist to it.

[mikester]

Originally Posted by look 171

Mike,

Button it up and get on with the bath remod. if its structurally sound. Get it done before the baby gets here. she will have your ass if you don't. We built a brand new kitchen before first boy. Just a year ago, we had our master bath and the entire bottom floor done. I just took time off and have the crew finish my house before she kills me. I am a contractor. Our bread and butter is the custom end kitchen and baths. We design and build them.

After the baby is a little older (maybe a year later) get away for the weekend, and have the house tented. YOu guys will like the time away. By then, you don''t have to carry so much ***** with you. is this your first baby?

Its ideal to get rid of all of the infested wood, but somwtime it isn't always possible. take a larger pic of the area and I'll let you know. It is 1x sub floor or 2x. You can get rid of it by replacing it with ply wood. Builb it up flush with the existing floor. Most people don't know that when you buy new lumber from the yard, it already may have termites in the new wood already. I always suggest to clients that have the place one and replace what your can and tent the house. You kill every one of those little fuchers. What part of LA are you in? talk to your contractor about the problem and see what he thinks. If you need an pinion or advice let me know.

I'm in El Segundo. I don't have a contractor - was doing the work myself but I've only got as far as the demo. Was preparing to hire an electrician and plumber to come in for those pieces after I framed up the new wall.

That is the 1st and only subfloor, my intentions were to add a second subfloor layer of plywood.

[mikester]

Originally Posted by dipso

That doesn't look that bad, rip up the 2x6 and replace it before you set your new pan.

It looks like just one is bad maybe two or three, big deal. While their up check out the joists and if necessary treat them. Should be no big deal. This can all be done from up top.

If a joist looks damaged and has you worried you can always sister another joist to it.

Thanks for the input - I've been going through the 5 stages of grief today - I think I'm almost at acceptance.

Regarding that 2x6 - it's scheduled for removal as is all of the wood in that area except the floor. My intentions were to build a new wall there (that would be a shower wall for reference) and then lay a new subfloor. Out plans include laying new hardwood floor in the entire room including that closet. If treating the area is acceptable and again there is no structural damage we'll go that route. If not we will explore the options we need to explore. My wife handled it much better than I Did but the primary reason I handled it badly was the effect on my project time line. It pretty much blows any work I'll get done in the next 2 weeks since I'll be out of town for a week. I'll have to get the termite guys we've been using the last few years to come look at it for good measure, we have a contract with them but I'm not sure if it has lapsed. We'll see and I'll keep posted.

[dipso]

Originally Posted by mikester

Thanks for the input - I've been going through the 5 stages of grief today - I think I'm almost at acceptance.

Regarding that 2x6 - it's scheduled for removal as is all of the wood in that area except the floor. My intentions were to build a new wall there (that would be a shower wall for reference) and then lay a new subfloor. Out plans include laying new hardwood floor in the entire room including that closet. If treating the area is acceptable and again there is no structural damage we'll go that route. If not we will explore the options we need to explore. My wife handled it much better than I Did but the primary reason I handled it badly was the effect on my project time line. It pretty much blows any work I'll get done in the next 2 weeks since I'll be out of town for a week. I'll have to get the termite guys we've been using the last few years to come look at it for good measure, we have a contract with them but I'm not sure if it has lapsed. We'll see and I'll keep posted.

I know, I understood what you were saying.
I am talking about the damaged 2x6 on the floor, not the old pan wall you are planing on taking out anyways.

Remove the damaged 2x6 on the floor, look under it at the joist and check for damage, and live termites. If it has you worried, sister a new one to it for strength.
You are probably in good shape because termites rarely travel from board to board. They are blind.

I wouldn't put a new subfloor on top until I knew what was underneath. You can always check from the garage but then you have to cut a hole in your ceiling.

[dhoward]

http://www.addictinggames.com/antbuster.html

[TerryH]

Like Sammy said, just about every house in the SW United States has active termites. They take 4-6 years to colonize and begin doing damage. IMHO, the best thing to do is tent the house for fumigation every decade or so and spot treat any you see in between.

You can never get rid of termites completely .... well, unless you burn your house to the ground.

Here's photo the wife took 2 weeks ago when a swarm flew onto our house. She was armed with Raid and saw them coming so I hope none got too far into those vents. I have only seen drywood termites in the 26 years we've lived in this house. Termites fly poorly and are mostly carried by the wind. So they don't choose any house by color, flavor, or taste.

Redwood, cedar, plywood, and pressure treated wood can slow termites down, but after a few years, they are susceptible too. I try to paint all sides of any lumber I add to my home whether inside or out to help seal it from bugs and water.

[TerryH]

oops, ... photo of temites. The fly/float in and shed their wings. Not rare to see just wings floating in standing water quite often.

[look 171]

Here's what I would do. cut out the sub floor (on the joist) and look under there for damage on the floor joist. have a go at it with a screw driver and don't be shy. If you are worry, call your termite guy and treat the area. I have talk to many, they don't thnk it does any good. Local treatment. Its like relocating a bum in santa monica to torrance. they are still there just not at santa monica. replace the joist if its bad. If there's bounce on the floor, now its the time to take care of the problem. Sister floor joist to the existing or blocking might help. bounce may cause cracking tiles, stone, or grout joint. It doesn't look like a big deal in the pic. let us know how it goes.

Jeff

[dipso]