termites

[nyna]

I've recntly found signs of termites in my 62 Chriscraft 35' Cavalier. Read some on the subject at the U of texas, Austin website on brushing a boric acid solution onto the affected wood. But, this will not get into all the nooks and crannies, especially above the headliner. anybody had any experience with other methods, like fumagants and such?

[PAR]

I'm assuming it's dry wood termites as subterranean beasties need ground contact (which could be there, are mud tubes visible on the blocking, stands or trailer?) The only sure way to get the bastards is to tent the boat and use chemicals that you can't get unless you are licensed to kill the little buggers. I know, it sucks, but this is the only way to be sure.

[nyna]

Thanks Par!
No mud tubes to be seen. Tenting may be the only answer. I'll leep ypu posted. We'll see what pest controll has to offer.
Nyna

[SamSam]

Originally Posted by nyna

I've recntly found signs of termites in my 62 Chriscraft 35' Cavalier. Read some on the subject at the U of texas, Austin website on brushing a boric acid solution onto the affected wood. But, this will not get into all the nooks and crannies, especially above the headliner. anybody had any experience with other methods, like fumagants and such?

Some companies are starting to use heat to kill them instead of chemicals. 120 degrees F for 30 minutes or 130 degrees F for 5 minutes will do them in. The whloe structure has to reach that temp. and not just the air. Sam

[PAR]

I'll bet those companies that are experimenting with heat aren't licensed for the chemicals necessary to kill dry wood termites. I recently (last year) tented my rental property for dry wood eating suckers and was rather surprised to learn few companies are actually licensed to use the material necessary to do the deed. They (the companies other then the national chain I used) were more then happy to insure against reinfestation on most of the beasties, but not the dry wood variety. It apparently requires a special, costly chemical and application specific licensing. I would also think that a house attic could easily reach 120 degrees in my neck of the woods most of the year, with continuous stretches of several months where the attic temperature wasn't below this point. I've seen dry wood termites in attics before. If a company doesn't offer a guaranty, then they aren't killing termites, maybe just pissing them off a lot and knocking down the colony size a bit.

are just as voracious I'd wager!

And probably as hard / harder to get rid of..

In my experience, theres a few ways - but only 1 that works.

First to a little history..

Organochlorines were quite effective - but the bleeding hearts discovered they give you cancer...sooo no more organochlorines...then along came organophosphates...whch supposedly kill the little blighters ( I reckon it just feeds them and makes em fatter..faster)...

In the good ol days...we'd do em in permanent...with arsenic.

Luckily, for me the good ol days are today coz I know an old farmer who saved himself a liberal supply many years ago and occasionally I borrow a bit....

In order to protect the rest of the environment from the arsenic - I plane a couple pieces pine wood and route a recess in one flat face. Then I put in arsenic into the recess. Around this I place a circle of wood glue on the flat face. Then I screw the second piece of flat pine to the first..so the arsenic is encapsulated...inside a solid chunk of wood.

The termites achillles heel is his carnivourous habit of eating his dead buddies, after he's carried em back to the nest to feed the queen termite...and bango - there goes your nest...kaputski!

Sooo...get friendly with your local pharmacist...convince him the arsenic usn't for your wifes cup of tea....and give them suckers no quarter.

You can do the politically correct thing...and join the pest controllers christmas card list - by paying him annually...or you can cure the problem...

For my money arsenics the ONLY ong term valid solution, that acually works (not to mention i get a warm fuzzy feeling every time I annhialate a nest...caddyshack...was about me!).

Hmmm, Termites - now why do we never see a homer simpson episode about termites?

One of lifes great conundrums!

Cheers

[SamSam]

Originally Posted by PAR

I'll bet those companies that are experimenting with heat aren't licensed for the chemicals necessary to kill dry wood termites.

I had some termite infested wood and Googled around and found out about the companys using heat. Their spiel has to do with it avoids the chemicals which are ugly to begin with and it entails a lot less preparation of the inside of the house as far as food and things that react to the chemicals (plastics?), and also the outside, as the whole house isn't tented, tarps are just hung from the eves down. Plus downtime of the house isn't much, it can all be done in a day and you can even go inside during the process, if needed. It might also be connected with mold reduction, but I'm not sure about that. I had to attend an asbestos awareness class recently and the instructor kept saying the new thing was mold, "Mold is Gold", referring to new government reg$ and effort$ by all con$$$erned about the health effect$ of mold. I attached a photo you might like.No chrome. Sam

[nyna]

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I found an interesting discussion by Dave: Daves woodenboat Cures for Wood Rot at http://www.woodenboat.net.nz/2005/rotcure.html . talks about the use of borates and PEG in termite infestations and wood rot. Too much to quote, but worth reading.
NYNA

[DGreenwood]

In my experiences with termites and carpenter ants I have eliminated them by eliminating their water supply. Somewhere, I think, your little pals have access to fresh water. Eliminate that and they are toast. I have certainly not dealt with all species but I would think they all have to have water?