Determining monolithic slab and termite entry

What does it matter what kind of slab you have if you’ve got termites? It’s all the same treatment isn’t it? Well I do realize that with the advent of Termidor and other non repellant termiticides construction knowledge is not as key as it used to be but in dealing with termites , every advantage is very often needed.

Did you know monolithic slabs top the list for termite invasions? It was thought at first that this type of construction being ‘all one pour’ would lessen the advancing termites because they would have fewer entry points but as it turns out cracks form easier with this slab and deficient final grade pretreats or landscaping mixed with stucco and veneers at or below grade offer no resistance. For this reason it is very important to identify the slab and look for the hidden dangers. Pulling back carpet where you can in corners might reveal cracks, scraping or digging soil to see just beneath the siding or veneer often exposes live termites as well.

Seasoned termite inspectors often view monolithic slabs as easy work because there is no hollow block drilling to be done but passing a mono slab off as a simple inspection is always a dangerous mistake. There is a little technique I use to quickly determine if the slab I’m dealing with is monolithic or not and it works almost without fail. Mono slabs have no footers per se and knowing how to determine this will allow you to identify your slab and help you do the correct treatment. Take a minute and watch my video and see how this technique works. If you’ve got one that helps you, I’d love to hear about it.

About The Bug Doctor

Jerry Schappert is a certified pest control operator and Associate Certified Entomologist with over two and a half decades of experience from birds to termites and everything in between. He started as a route technician and worked his way up to commercial/national accounts representative. Always learning in his craft he is familiar with rural pest services and big city control techniques. Jerry has owned and operated a successful pest control company since 1993 in Ocala,Florida. While his knowledge and practical application has benefitted his community Jerry wanted to impart his wisdom on a broader scale to help many more. Pestcemetery.com was born from that idea in 2007 and has been well received. It is the goal of this site to inform you with his keen insights and safely guide you through your pest control treatment needs.
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