As much as we welcomed the first fall rainfall here in Los Angeles, we knew it was also going to possibly bring a whole lot of hurt along with it: flash floods, mud slides, roof leaks and a mess of drama in a region where precipitation is a rare seasonal occasion. But we didn't consider the heavy rain would bring out these lil' buggers into our home: termites.
Here Comes the Rain Again: Termites & Leaks!
It sure ain't the ant farm from Mad Men, but it's quite a teeming collection I've got there.
Los Angeles isn't always known for termite problems like other parts of the United States, but living in a 1917-built building, we weren't completely surprised to find these winged termites swarming inside our home early last night. Though harmless and very easy to capture, we knew finding them inside, rather than just outside, indicated a good chance there's an interior infestation.
Workmen dropped in early this morning to inspect the damage and also check out that beauty up above. There's also a leak seeping in from the roof, so alongside termites, the rainfall was responsible for damaging the ceiling. The peeling paint may also be indication of termite infestation up above, as walls where paint cracks and peels or the wallpaper won’t stick can be indication of their presence.
Bothersome, but as renters, there's not much more to do than have it repaired or move (and in this economy, moving isn't so much an option). DIY termite control isn't usually too effective, but we're interested in mention of a non-chemical solutions offered by a local Los Angeles pest control company which relies upon a hand-held device that emits 90,000 volts of electricity in order to treat Drywood termites. The termites then conduct the current because their bodies are 90% water. Wood, however, is not a good conductor of electricity. The electric current seeks the path of least resistance therefore it enters the termite tunnels and shocks them. Anyone use ECOLA Termite & Pest Management?
Here are some resources for inspection for termite infestation that may help you in determining whether to call a pest control service or your landlord:
Comments (15)
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ok.
At first glance i thought this was a new modern fall wreath.
view benfowler's profile
That's got to be the most revolting pic I've ever seen on AT...
view bepsf's profile
Looking at the damage these things do is incredible. It's amazing the efficiency in which they devour the wood. Lignin is something that most animals just can't digest, but these little guys thrive on it. Weird.
view wanderingfoodie's profile
bepsf: coming from your critical eye, that is high/low praise :D
view gregory's profile
@benfowler -- I kind of did too! I thought they were feathers.
Also -- I'm not sure I'd say termites are "harmless," even if they don't hurt people.
view stegersaurus's profile
Oh, now I know what those winged creatures are.
A ton of them took refuge from that storm in the covered patio area -- thankfully outside. When the sun came out, they all flew off, one by one.
Thankfully I only rent, but it's good to know what problems may be lurking.
view digger61's profile
Ha ha...I thought it was someone's crazy idea of a wreath as well!!!
view rexrayfan's profile
How does the electricity get to the termites? I don't understand this at all. After reading their site, I think I'd be a lot more likely to try the cold or heat treatment. Both of those sound a lot less gimmicky and ensure death more.
What are you going to do to keep them out?
BTW, in Michigan, you can't get insurance coverage for termite damage (because, the insurance co.s say, we don't have them here). So, when you get a termite infestation (like one of my friends did) it is tough luck for you.
view Jen C's profile
Here in Florida, those horrible little winged creatures are lurking at all times! There are times when you get swarms of them through the neighborhood and have to sit in the dark because they crawl through small holes seeking any light they see inside! These are not harmless creatures, they can do as much damage to a home in a month as a flood, as they eat through everything. Call Terminex they are great with termites and know immediately if the infestation requires treatment, but don't ignore it, that could cost you thousands.
view cliokitty's profile
I agree with cliokitty and would call Terminex. In the meantime, you can spray the affected area with peppermint or orange oil. It will kill them and the smell will keep them away.
view Comicgeek's profile
Yes, I immediately thought, "Oh, a wreath for Halloween!"
view luna's profile
Orange oil is the best, non-toxic way to treat termite infestation.
But I too am a renter and we didn't get to decide on the treatment when termites began swarming in our kitchen window (interior) one extremely hot week this summer. Ugh! So gross.
view BetterBombshell's profile
disgusting
view formosagirl's profile
ugh, the last two times we've had heavy rain at my apartment water has been leaking from one of the kitchen dormers. I've told the landlord both times, but evidently nothing is happening. A bit frustrating, but luckily at the moment it is still a small leak and a kitchen pot suffices to contain the water.
view michpc's profile
i lived in an apartment in chicago where the sunroom had a horrible leak. the landlord told me that "it only leaks when it rains. and when the snow melts."
no shit.
it never did get fixed, but i moved on to a different apartment with a different landlord, where i also had a leak. that was fixed the same day.
view kostina's profile