Dennis R. Ring, Dunaway, Christopher R., Morgan, Alan L.
The historic New Orleans French Quarter has proven to be a unique challenge in inspecting for and controlling the Formosan termites that have taken up residence. At the height of the termite population it seemed that the antique structures that comprise the Quarter were doomed to be consumed and turned into compost as we watched helplessly. Fortunately, Operation Full Stop was launched to study the Formosan termite and to demonstrate an area-wide control program centered in the French Quarter. This cooperative effort among state and federal governments, numerous universities, contractors and property owners was successful in greatly reducing the termite pressure in the test area and validated the area-wide treatment strategy for the control of the invasive Formosan subterranean termite.
However, there are still active colonies located in the French Quarter and many more in the surrounding areas that are ready to move in. Therefore, it remains very important to stay vigilant and keep on the lookout for infestations. Listed below are several examples of common things to look for.
Part of the problem in the French Quarter is the nature of the buildings themselves. The old construction style and materials make inspection and treatment much more difficult than with most modern buildings. Another problem is that many of the buildings are connected by common walls, which allow the termites to move freely from one structure to another. When inspecting these buildings, it is very important to have access to every room, closet and the attic.
Some of the most notable buildings in the French Quarter are true brick-and-mortar constructions. Modern “brick” homes typically only have a one-brick-thick veneer covering the structural wood in the walls. In the French Quarter, however, massive amounts of bricks three and four courses thick (or more) comprise the foundations and walls of these old buildings. When the masons reached the correct height for each floor level, large 4” x 12” wooden floor joists would be inserted into pockets within the walls spanning from wall to wall. Door and window openings were left clear with heavy wooden beams forming lintels imbedded in the masonry.
Part of the problem is that the mortar used to hold the bricks together is soft and loose. The termites can easily tunnel through this material and travel up the walls attacking any wood that they encounter.
Like the floor joists, door and window frames are in direct contact with the friable mortar in the walls. Look for damaged wood and swarm castles, and tap the wood to listen for hollow spots.
Look at all of the window frames from the outside. It may be helpful to have a pair of binoculars to see the the higher levels. Also take a digital photo of a questionable area and then use a computer to zoom in the help identify termite activity.
Wooden floors can be damaged by termites. Damage will frequently start near one of the exterior walls then move out following the grain of the wood. Look for wavy wood and feel for weak spots.
Inspect all baseboards and trim moldings for signs of termite damage.
Examine the wood in overhangs and balconies for damage and swarm castles.
Underneath stairwells and other unfinished rooms should be inspected for signs of termite infestation.
Look around the structure for any wood that bridges the ground to the structure. Wooden walls and gates are commonly found attached to French Quarter properties.
Any renovation project should include a plan to address termite treatment. Very often property owners miss a valuable opportunity to protect the structure.
Some possible strategies could include:
Termites can pop up anywhere, so it is very important to be very thorough and inspect all accessible areas. Cabinets, closets and storage lockers are important places to check for the presence of termites. Termites can get into these areas and damage the contents if left unchecked.
In working in the French Quarter, attics are one of the most important places to check for the presence of Formosan termite infestation. This is true for two reasons:
Damage and shelter tubes will typically be found radiating outward from the perimeter walls. Tap on the joists and rafters to feel for weak areas and hollow spots. Look for shelter tubes built onto the surface of boards. Termite "dirt" will often times be visible in the cracks where two boards meet; for instance, where the joists and rafters are connected to the top plate. In cases of very heavy infestations, larger nests can be found protruding from the walls.
Warning!! Attics can be very dangerous.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture