Dryrot?

Dryrot can destroy your home.

Dryrot is wood decay caused by certain species of fungi that digest parts of wood, in doing so the fungi eats away at the strength of the wood, which can compromising your home. The wood that is now weak and been eaten away by the fungi will typically look dry and can resemble termite damage though it is not.

Causes

Wood to earth contact such as failed foundation is a common cause of Dryrot, however Moisture is the main cause. Eliminating the Moisture and finding the main source of what is causing the moisture such as leaking pluming and correcting the issue would be your first plan of action in helping control the issue of Dryrot and Fungus growth. If the moisture cannot be controlled or the Dryrot has taken over, the wood will need to treated and or most likely removed completely.

What you can do.

1. Locate the damage and source of moisture.
2. Replace damaged wood that has become weak.
3. Treat new and existing wood to prevent growth of Dryrot and Fungus that may still be in the wood. (This would most likely be a job left to a Professional.)

Not the type of mushroom you would want to cook with.

Fungi that will destroy wood.

Something many people may not be aware of is that Dryrot/Fungus if found during a Termite Inspection on a home would be "called out" as a Section One item according to the Structural Pest Control Board and would need to be treated and corrected before a Section One Clearance could be issued for the property.

Its hard to know what to do when you come across Dryrot or see Fungi growing around your home, save yourself the headache and worries. Call Black Knight Termite and Pest Control   we can inspect what is going on in and around your home. A Black Knight Professional can answer any questions and or concerns that you may have and even treat the damaged wood. In some cases if there is work that needs to be done such as wood replacements or rebuilds, Black Knight can take care of  that too.

Black Knight Fumigation

Fumigation Treatment

 We all have seen the tent covered house once or twice, and no it doesn't mean the Circus is in town.

There are several different ways to get rid of a termite problem and a fumigation is one commonly used by many home and business owners. A fumigation seems to bring up many questions and concerns, and hopefully I can answer some of those for you.

What is a fumigation?

A Fumigation is a method that uses a lethal gas to exterminate pests in an enclosed area.

What things do I need to do to prepare myself, family, and home before the fumigation?

People, pets and plants need to be removed from the home. Food and medications that are not sealed in highly resistant containers must be removed or sealed in protective bags and placed in the refrigerator. (Black Knight will provide the home owner with the needed bags up to a specific amount at no cost.)

How long will it take?

Depending on the type of infestation, size of the structure, dosage, and other factors, the fumigation can take anywhere from 6 hours to one week. Usually when using Black Knight Pest for the fumigation the tent will come down 3 days after the fumigation has taken place after 5 pm.

Does a fumigation smell?

No, structural fumigants are odorless.

Can anyone enter the structure while it is being fumigated?

Absolutely not. No one can enter the structure, doing so could result in serious injury or death.

Will a fumigation eliminate all the termites and pests?

The fumigation will not eliminate subterranean termites as they require separate treatment since their nests are underground.

The process of putting up the tent for the fumigation could take several hours depending on the size of the structure.

There are many other questions that surround a fumigation that should be answered by a Professional. If you are concerned that you may be in need of a fumigation schedule a termite inspection with Black Knight and have a one on one with one of our Professional Termite Inspectors. They can answer any questions and or concerns that you may have and also give you a complete bid on the cost of a fumigation for your property.

Call Black Knight we are always happy to help.

951-694-8100

It is recommended that you purchase a separate tile insurance for the roof. The professionals are extremely careful but a loss in a few pieces of tile may occur in the tenting process.

Termites: Why You Should Know How to Look for an Infestation

There are few investments more necessary to the home than termite control. Temecula homeowners typically don’t think about this investment much, aside from a compulsory check for termites upon purchasing the home. Considering the damage that these wood-eating critters can cause to a home, though, it’s important to be aware of the telltale signs of a termite infestation before the problem escalates to a dangerous level. The following article will explain why it’s important to be able to spot an infestation, and a few tips to help you look for the signs.

Call Black Knight Termite & Pest Control at 951-694-8100 for all your home and business needs!

Why Termite Infestations are Best Spotted Early

From flea control to rodent control, Temecula homeowners are always better off discovering a pest problem early on. Termite infestations, however, should be particularly concerning. It is no exaggeration to say that termites are responsible for billions of dollars’ worth of destruction and damage to American property each year. Residential homes are particularly susceptible because of the propensity of woodwork in the structures. Termites don’t only eat wood, though, they also eat books, insulation, paper, shrubs, trees, and filtration systems and liners for swimming pools. 

When and How to Look for Termites in Your Home

When: Termite inspections are typically conducted when buying or selling a home, often as a condition of a mortgage or other agreement. This is, of course, a prudent course of action considering the size and weight of such a transaction. But homeowners shouldn’t only look for signs of termite infestations and seek professional help when buying or selling their home. It’s always a good idea to be aware of the telltale signs and be ready to call in the professionals who specialize in pest control. Temecula homeowners should be particularly vigilant in the spring months, between March and May, as this is when termites often appear in homes and start colonies to take advantage of the warmer weather. 

How: There are several telltale signs to keep your eye out for. If there is a material that looks like mud around the home, or wood that is left to only a thin layer on the surface with more “mud” around any breaking points, you have spotted a sign of the “mud tubes” that termites make from feces, saliva and soil. Subterranean termites also build tubes underground to get into homes from the bottom up, although exploratory and migratory tubes might not connect to the structure of a home and drop tubes might only return from the home to the soil. In addition to mud tubes and weakened or damaged wood, you might also spot seemingly innocuous things like tiny holes in the wood and buckling paint. Also remember that not all termites are burrowers; there are also swarming termites that are often referred to as “flying ants.” These swarmers often hover near light sources on warm days.

If you have any suspicions that termites might be in or around your home, just remember to call us right away. This is the best way to protect your home, your investment, and all the loved ones relying on a safe foundation and structure surrounding them is to ask for help from the professionals.