| | Figure 1: Shelter tube readily visible until it goes behind tile. |
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| | Figure 2: Decorative tile to brick hides foundation. |
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| | Figure 3: Foundation is clearly visible below brick surface of porch |
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Brick- or tile-capped porches may be a major avenue for termite infestation. Formosan termites can travel in the space between the concrete slab and the tile. They then attack wooden columns and the nearby walls. Often damage is first noticed in doorframes.
Problems:
- Pest control operators sometimes neglect to apply treatment to the soil around the porch area and fail to check the area during annual inspections.
- Treated soil is often disturbed during the installation or maintenance of gardens, thus breaking the barrier and allowing termites to enter.
Figure 1 illustrates where a shelter tube has been constructed traveling up to and under the tile.
The house in figure 2 was designed well. There is sufficient distance between the soil and the tile that this tube is visible and could have been detected early before the termites had the opportunity to do major damage.
Figure 3 represents an excellent design. The builder has left exposed concrete along the front edge as well as in the back along the front wall; however, the area at the sidewalk and front door are still vulnerable and should be treated carefully.