Termiticide Foam in Toms River, NJ home

Challenge

Recently, I performed a residential termite treatment in Toms River, NJ. The home is in a residential development where all of the homes are built on slabs. There is a common misconception that slab-on-grade foundations are not as much of a problem with termite infestations compared to homes with basements or crawl spaces since there is no underground materials for termites to access. In fact, the opposite is true.

Homes built on slabs are are especially prone to termite damage. Slab foundations are often close to the soil, which means that termites can tube easily into the structure. Slab foundations inevitably have holes and cracks that provide a way into the structure.

This home had termite damage in the hardwood flooring in the living room. Termites will devour cellulose materials wherever they can find it — and not just in building materials. Here, the termites started to eat a piece of antique furniture. 

Solution

I drilled the concrete on the exterior abutting the foundation to access and treat the soil underneath. Using “short rodding,” which is a highly effective treatment method for slab foundation homes. This process involves applying termite-killing product through hollow steel tubes (“rods”) into the soil. I drilled and treated under the slab in order to reach the soil directly underneath the damaged flooring in the living room. I also rodded and treated the soil abutting the structure. Given the extent of the damage, there was a mature subterranean termite colony close to the home. I wanted to be positive that the entire underground area was properly treated with product to ensure that this destructive colony would be eliminated. I also treated the damaged furniture with a Termidor®, a termiticide foam.