Termites are Back. Demo Plaster Ceiling?
Sigh, termites are back in our house. The house we purchased has a history of termites. The last owner really let it go and there is at least two replacement beams in the basement and new columns poured. Well, I’m gutted to find new hanging tunnels over the weekend hanging from the joist in the…
Sigh, termites are back in our house. The house we purchased has a history of termites. The last owner really let it go and there is at least two replacement beams in the basement and new columns poured.
Well, I’m gutted to find new hanging tunnels over the weekend hanging from the joist in the exposed part of the basement. The back half of the basement (approx. 21ft x 16ft) is the old plaster and metal lath ceiling that has been untouched (we do see some termite bait traps attached to it.) I’m super worried now.
So we are thinking of tearing EVERYTHING out (inculding above the furnace and boiler) and have all the wood treated with Boracare? Is that a good idea? I know there are conduit up there and I see values and stuff sticking out.
We want to do this right as new homeowners and never have them come back again? especially before we finish up the basement.
Looking for recommendations for someone to do this job, if you know of anyone. How much would this cost approx?
I am a little worried because I know there are electrical conduits running above this ceiling so I would assume demo-people know this and are careful?
We also had a termite infestation. We did not replace the infested joist, but we should have. We sistered them. We took down 1/4 of the plaster ceiling. About $200 for that. The people you hire should know what they are doing and be careful — I wouldn’t hire any old day laborer for that.
It’s best to replace the infested joist. You need to call an exterminator first. They will tell you what to do and how to do it.
tqust99, thank you for understanding. Yup, its this indescribable feeling of hopelessness… and almost regret…
My email addy is listed under my profile. I would like to ask you a few question about your termite treatment if possible. Please email me?
Not really a comment regarding the contracting bit — but I too bought a house that was infested with termites and had to rip out my entire ground floor becuase of extensive damage. At the same time this work was being done, I signed up with Knock Out Pest control and installed their bait system. They were great — and after a VERY long time, I am now 100% termite free. I don’t want to sound like an ad campaign for Knock Out — but their approach (bait systems to kill the queen/nest) really worked. Each time swarmers would appear, they would come and rebait in that area until all signs of active infestation were gone. It was bad and often very depressing (as in, I never thought the termites would ever be gone, and the entire process took two years!) — but it worked. If you are going to take the time and spend the money to do all this work, you should really cover your bases and get additional protection against these infestations. Getting rid of termites is not easy or quick, and I think anyone who tells you it is is nuts, but my house is proof that it can be done. Good luck, I know how painful and completely demoralizing it is to see termites/swarmers.
If the damage is significant, I’d shore up the existing joists and carefully replace them. Otherwise I would stiffen them with LVL joists or steel and span them from load bearing wall to load bearing wall.
One issue with chemical treatment is that it doesn’t penetrate into the wood, so the termites can tunnel inside. However, while I have seen my fair share of damage, I’ve never seen a house that was eaten through and through.
It’s hard to ballpark without taking a look. Could be $500, could be $5000.
Masterbuilder, you’ve got mail! Thanks.
Wyckoff, my husband pointed out to me TWO more hanging tunnels coming THRU the plaster ceiling right above the furnace!!! I can’t tell if they are active or not. The other ones that were hanging from a wood beam we could see little white legs (or something) moving. Seriously, this is like a nightmare!
Cobblekrill, we actually had Ed come out a couple weeks ago on a super rainy day for an inspection and he didn’t notice anything. Somehow they surfaced in these couple of weeks! Did you ever tell Ed about the contractor? He said if he heard about any of them not performing, he would stop recommending them. It came up because we talked about the shoddy structural work that the last owner had the exterminator (yes, exterminator)company do. Can I ask what he did to your place? What did you do for your basement ceiling so you could keep an eye it?
Question for Masterbuilder:
Is it best to replace the infested joist or do you have it treated and run a sister joist to it? We are in the same predicament. Could you offer a ballpark cost on a job like this?
Thanks.
Relax. It’s probably not as bad as you think. First call an exterminator. I have also used Empire Pest Control. They are very dependable.
my deepest sympathies. i had an infestation a few years ago. nightmare. whatever you do, don’t call one of the major chains. they were AWFUL. i finally got help from a guy at empire pest control in carroll gardens. it cost about $1200 and he recommended a contractor to replace the beams. (contractor was only mediocre). the owner (ed?) was great and they haven’t back in the last five years.