Experiences with the Termite in New Jersey

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Abstract
The author correlates the great increase of reported damage to houses by termites in New Jersey with an increase in public interest in the termites and the increase of the building of suburban homes in former woodlands. A census of termite colonies in a woodland area of about 2 acres showed 16 colonies of Reticulitermes flavipes the eastern subterranean termite to be present while none was found in plots of the same size in cutover and grassland sections although waste wood was available in each. The most obvious difference was the much greater soil moisture in the woodland plot conserved by shade and deaf cover. Faulty construction is cited as the almost universal cause of damage reported, allowing wood to enter or come into contact with the ground, earth filled porches and steps being especially favorable to termite attack. ". . . people have built their homes in the natural home of the termites and have . . . provided for the termites'' persistence by construction which enables the latter easily to enter the structure and to secure an endless food suppply from the timbers." The author believes that the fundamental principle governing procedure in building as in treatment of damage must be the elimination of access for the termite from the ground. To accomplish this they recommend maintenance of at least 18 inches clearance between wood and ground, rich poured-concrete foundation walls and cellar floor, eliminations of earth-filled porches and thorough impregnation with creosote of all wood in accessory structures which may have ground contacts. Ground treatments are held to be of uncertain and impermanent value. The termite shield is recommended where cracks in foundations cannot be avoided.

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