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Home > Archive > Pest Control > December 2006 > Termite activity in cold (below 32 F) weather
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Termite activity in cold (below 32 F) weather
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| Tony Sivori 2006-12-19, 1:26 pm |
| I've put a bid in for a HUD repo. There is past termite damage that has
been mostly repaired.
I'm concerned about the termite inspection. Since the power is off the
structure is pretty much ambient temperature. I'm in Louisville KY so if
the inspection takes place on a January day is likely that the temperature
will be below freezing.
My concern is that even though power, gas, and water will be turned on for
the inspection, due to the low temperature of the wood, would any current
infestation be active enough to detect by the stethoscope method?
--
Tony Sivori
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| Tony Sivori wrote:
> I've put a bid in for a HUD repo. There is past termite damage that has
> been mostly repaired.
>
> I'm concerned about the termite inspection. Since the power is off the
> structure is pretty much ambient temperature. I'm in Louisville KY so if
> the inspection takes place on a January day is likely that the temperature
> will be below freezing.
>
> My concern is that even though power, gas, and water will be turned on for
> the inspection, due to the low temperature of the wood, would any current
> infestation be active enough to detect by the stethoscope method?
>
I have turned over a log that was sitting on the ground on an icy day
before and have seen termite activity, so I would guess it would be
possible. Curious... is your inspector stating he is going to use his
stethoscope for the entire inspection?
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| Tony Sivori 2006-12-19, 1:26 pm |
| Lar wrote:
> Tony Sivori wrote:
> I have turned over a log that was sitting on the ground on an icy day
> before and have seen termite activity, so I would guess it would be
> possible. Curious... is your inspector stating he is going to use his
> stethoscope for the entire inspection?
I once bought a house in Florida, that inspection was the only termite
inspection I have seen. He used a sharp probe, plus a stethoscope. Not to
mention visual, I'm sure.
I know this would have been a good question for the inspector, but he
hasn't been out yet. Plus I wanted a few second opinions.
--
Tony Sivori
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| Tony Sivori wrote:
>
>
> I once bought a house in Florida, that inspection was the only termite
> inspection I have seen. He used a sharp probe, plus a stethoscope. Not to
> mention visual, I'm sure.
>
> I know this would have been a good question for the inspector, but he
> hasn't been out yet. Plus I wanted a few second opinions.
>
Stethoscopes can be a tool, probably even more so in Florida with dry
wood termites inspections, but I would be surprised if the KY inspector
broke one out for the inspection.
Definitely ask the inspector on his thoughts on inspecting while it's
cold and see if he answers your questions to your satisfaction.
Lar
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| bugs@bugs.com 2006-12-19, 5:25 pm |
| Tony I am only a few hours away from Louisville and we get about the same
temperatures as you guys do. I can tell you this the termites can and will
be active year round however they will sometimes slow down a bit if it gets
really cold. I have seen houses where I knew termites were active during the
warm weather and when checked during the very cold weather they were not to
be found. Also even with the temps low and the power cut to the house when
you go under a house it can stay fairly warm year round so I would say if
there are termites a good inspection will find them. A stethoscope should be
used especially if there is evidence of old damage and no termites present.
Listen to the wood for termites inside of it. Also probing the wood to find
soft spots where other termites may be. By chance is Bright Pest Control
going to be doing your inspection?
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| Tony Sivori 2006-12-20, 1:25 pm |
| bugs wrote:
> Tony I am only a few hours away from Louisville and we get about the
> same temperatures as you guys do. I can tell you this the termites can
> and will be active year round however they will sometimes slow down a
> bit if it gets really cold. I have seen houses where I knew termites
> were active during the warm weather and when checked during the very
> cold weather they were not to be found.
Since this house had a significant past infestation (some of the floor
joists have been replaced) it sounds like it might be prudent to have a
second inspection in late spring or early summer? If the pre-purchase
inspection misses an active infestation, obviously I'd want to take care
of it in the earliest possible stage.
> By chance is Bright Pest Control going to be doing your inspection?
A coworker recommended All Check. They give a free termite inspection with
a general home inspection. Given that the All Check termite inspection is
free, I would not be adverse to paying for a second termite inspection
before closing on the house.
Do you work for Bright? Do you know the Louisville / Shively
inspectors(there are two numbers listed in the Yellow pages)? If so, is
there a particular inspector you'd recommend?
--
Tony Sivori
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| bugs@bugs.com 2006-12-26, 5:25 pm |
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On 20-Dec-2006, Tony Sivori <TonySivori@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Do you work for Bright? Do you know the Louisville / Shively
> inspectors(there are two numbers listed in the Yellow pages)? If so, is
> there a particular inspector you'd recommend?
No I do notr work for Bright I am located in Huntington, WV. I deal with a
company in Louisville though and I know the reputation of Bright and they
have a very good reputation. I also think they offer free inspections,
however you are needing a WDI report and those are not going to be free from
anyone. The inspection may be free but the report will cost you. It may be
anywhere from $50.00 to $175.00 depending on the company. You need to ask
them what a WDI report will cost you, not what an inspection will cost you.
You may find out that you are asking for two different things and one is
free and one isn't.
Good luck.
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