How Termites Destroyed This Deck
The Importance of Annual Pest Inspections
At Nature Pacific Pest Services, we can’t stress this enough—annual pest inspections can save homeowners thousands of dollars in damage and unnecessary stress. In one of our recent jobs, we saw firsthand what happens when termite activity goes unnoticed: an entire deck structure had to be torn out and replaced because the damage was just too severe.
This situation is a clear example of why routine inspections aren’t just a recommendation—they’re essential. Termites are silent destroyers, and by the time you see visible damage, the internal structure may already be compromised.
What Went Wrong
At this particular property, the homeowners had no idea that their beautiful deck was being slowly eaten from the inside out. Over time, subterranean termites worked their way into the structure. This weakens beams and supports to the point of collapse. By the time the damage was discovered, the only safe option was to completely remove the existing deck and rebuild it from the ground up.
This could have been avoided with a routine inspection. During an annual inspection, a professional pest technician can detect early signs of termite activity, dry rot, and other structural vulnerabilities before the damage becomes extensive.
How We Treated the Infestation
1. Trenching Around the Structure
In areas with accessible soil, we dug trenches approximately 6 to 8 inches deep around the perimeter of the home and deck. This allows us to saturate the soil below the surface, targeting the zones where termites reside and travel. Once the treatment was complete, we backfilled the trenches, leaving the yard looking untouched.
2. Drilling Through Concrete
For parts of the home surrounded by concrete, we drilled small holes directly into the slab at strategic intervals. Using a rod injector, we treated the soil beneath the concrete. This ensured that subterranean termites had no pathways into the structure. After the treatment, the holes were patched and blended into the existing surface, leaving behind a clean and professional finish.
3. Rod Injection for Hard-to-Reach Areas
In areas with limited clearance or structural obstructions, we used specialized rod injection tools to treat beneath the soil. This approach ensures we reach active termite colonies without disturbing the surrounding landscape or building materials.
The Connection Between Dry Rot and Termite Activity
One of the biggest takeaways from this project is the link between dry rot and termite infestations. Dry rot creates weakened areas in wood, which can be an open invitation for termites. If you see any signs of moisture damage or dry rot on your home’s exterior, it’s critical to address them promptly. Not only does it strengthen your home’s structure, but it also reduces the risk of pests taking advantage of the damage.
This was completely preventable. A thorough pest inspection would have likely caught the termite activity in its early stages, saving the homeowner the hassle and cost of replacing their entire deck.
This is why we strongly recommend annual inspections—especially in areas like Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties, where termite activity is common.
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