Before Applying Termiticides in Crawlspaces…

Down and Dirty: Crawlspace Inspections

The signs of a termite infestation often are in difficult-to-reach areas. Crawlspace inspections can be especially difficult and dirty jobs, and there is a natural tendency to rush through them. But the crawlspace is a likely area to find termites. Skip the crawlspace and you may completely miss the termites.

Unless the crawlspace is inaccessible, all perimeter foundation walls, pillars, interior walls, pipes, chimney bases and hearths should be checked for termite tubes. Cracks between the foundations and sills, in joists, and beams — especially laminated beams — should be examined carefully for tubes.

Use a probe (e.g., a screwdriver, an awl, an ice pick, etc.) to find termite damage in box sills, sill plates, floor joists and all support piers. Damaged wood will contain a mixture of soil and digested wood packed into termite galleries.

Clearance between soil and untreated sills and joists should be at least 18 inches; for beams and girders, at least 12 inches. There should be no wood debris in or on the soil. The crawl should have adequate ventilation if it is not encapsulated. Make note on your inspection diagram of any standing water, moisture on foundation walls or beams, and any leaks from plumbing, particularly under bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.

Source: Techletter

Ehrlich Selected to Protect National Landmarks

Ehrlich Pest Control has been selected by the National Park Service to install and maintain effective termite control systems for 14 national historic sites in the Delaware Valley, including Independence Hall.

Ehrlich will be installing the Sentricon System with Always Active technology. Sentricon targets and eliminates the termite colony when termite workers feed on the bait in the stations and then share it with the rest of the colony, eventually eliminating the entire colony, including the termite queen, who can produce millions of eggs during her lifetime.

Ehrlich will be providing services using the Sentricon System with Always Active technology to the 14 sites. Most prominent are the buildings at Independence Square, including Independence Hall, Old City Hall and Congress Hall in Old City Philadelphia. In addition to these iconic buildings under the National Park Service, services will be provided to The Deshler-Morris House and Bringhurst House in Philadelphia. The Deshler-Morris House is also known as the Germantown White House and is the oldest surviving presidential residence, home to George Washington twice during his term of office. Franklin Court homes on Market Street as well as two surviving residences on Locust Street will also be protected from possible termite damage.