Do It Yourself Exterior Termite Inspection, Here’s How!
Do it Yourself Learning Series
Nov. 28, 2009

By Micheal C Dukes
Certified PCO Georgia and Alabama since 1989

You must look for "signs of termites". Termites are subterranean creatures so they won't be out in the open just crawling around. Check the base of your foundation wall all the way around the structure, take your time and really look. Your are looking for mud tubes or mud between construction joints. Areas to focus on are where porches meet the foundation walls, around chimneys and planters that are against the foundation wall.

1. Wood to ground contact is always a good place to look for termites. While you are out and about, note if fences are touching your structure. Termites can get into your fence and come right over to your home, by-passing liquid or bait termite treatments.
2. If firewood is closer that 12 inches I would suggest you move it, I have my firewood a good 30 feet from my house.
3. Wood mulch is good termite food. Do you have wood mulch in your flower beds next to your foundation wall, if so I would replace the mulch with another attractive bedding like pine straw, rocks or some ground cover plant.
4. Do you have wood touching your home and the ground? (wood steps, crawl door frame, porch posts, wooden decks, stiff knee supports). Wood =-to-ground contact should be removed or broken by insulating the wood on the ground with a concrete footing. Wood contact should be insulated at 6 inches from the soil.

Do It Yourself Interior Termite Inspection, Here’s How!
Do it Yourself Learning Series
Nov. 28, 2009

By Micheal C Dukes
Certified PCO Georgia and Alabama since 1989

You must look for "signs of termites". Termites are subterranean creatures so they won't be out in the open just crawling around.

1. Check the base of your most outside wall all the way around the interior your structure, you are looking for mud tubes or mud between build materials such as between the baseboard and sheet rock.
2. As you are checking the outside perimeter wall look at the sheet rock and notice any mud tubes or small dobbs of dirt that shouldn't be there.
3. Look for damaged baseboards, window and door trim. Look for dirt filled holes in sheet rock.
4. Go into the kitchen, laundry, utility area and bathrooms and check under the sink area for mud tubes entering around pipes and wiring.
5. Check bath traps, some bathrooms have bath traps. Open the bath trap door and look inside. Use a good flashlight and see if there are any mud tubs coming in around the pipes.

Do It Yourself Attic Termite Inspection, Here’s How!
Do it Yourself Learning Series
Nov. 28, 2009

By Micheal C Dukes
Certified PCO Georgia and Alabama since 1989

You must look for "signs of termites". Termites are subterranean creatures so they won't be out in the open just crawling around.

1. Get yourself a good flashlight and a screwdriver to use to probe the wood. You may want to wear a bump hat to protect your head and a dust mask and gloves.
2. Check around chimneys and plumbing pipes for termite mud tubes.
3. Shine your light around and look at all wood members for mud tubes.
4. Probe and sound, tap with the butt of your screwdriver, any wood that looks suspicious.
5. If a hollow spot is found you can try to open the wood with your screwdriver. You may find termites at work.
6. While doing all of this don't step through the ceiling! Be careful!

Do It Yourself Crawl Space Termite Inspection, Here’s How!
Do it Yourself Learning Series
Nov. 28, 2009

By Micheal C Dukes
Certified PCO Georgia and Alabama since 1989

You must look for "signs of termites". Termites are subterranean creatures so they won't be out in the open just crawling around.

GETTING READY :

1. Dress for the occasion: Hard hat, long sleeve coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, boots or old shoes and a dust mask.
2. Equip yourself: Good flashlight, screwdriver for probing.

INSPECTION :

1. Enter the crawl door and be sure to prop it open. THis will give you some ambient light.
2. I always start my inspection by heading around the foundation wall to the right.
3. Before moving forward scan the area where you plan to crawl for obstacles, dangers such as broken glass and other debris. If clear move to your next position. SInce it's not possible to do a good inspection while on the move. I crawl forward, stop and inspect. Move about 5 feet on each move in most situations.
4. Inspect the foundation wall, then move your eyes up to the wood portions of the sills, outside headers, floor joists and sub-flooring. Look for termite tubes and mud tunnels.
5. When finished with the outside foundation wall, move on to inspect each support pier. Check around each one all the way around. Make sure to inspect the wood above, sills, headers, floor joists and sub-flooring. Look for termite tubes and mud tunnels.
6. Inspect all areas

CORRECT CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO TERMITE INFESTATION :

1. While you are making your inspection look for any wood to ground connections, wood sitting directly on the ground with the other end touching the bottom wood portions of your home. These are extremely important to remove if possible. Using wood beams for support is a common practice. This is fine if your support sits on a concrete footing that can be treated around. If not, have the repair made right away.
2. While you are making your inspection note any water leaks from pipes. Moisture will draw termites. Having a water source near a food supply can accelerate termite colony growth and the damage they do.
3. While you are making your inspection note whether or not your crawlspace is properly ventilated. Having outside vents providing proper ventilation can improve the health of your wooden understructure. A good rule of thumb is to have ventilation on all sides.
   1. If you don't have proper ventilation you may want to consider reading moisture control.
4. Correcting conditions that are conducive to termite infestation is as important as treating your home to eradicate an infestation or to prevent an infestation of sub-terranean termites. Trust me!