Jeff from Snellville, Ga writes
One side of basement hollow block wall is almost completely under ground (7 feet). Brick does not go underground on that side but does on the other sides. Half of the basement is finished so there is no access to the hollow block walls in that section which includes half the wall that is almost completely underground. My house was built in 1982 and at some point block walls were drilled as was the attached garage slab. I have owned for 20 years. What should my trench goal be? Should I be concerned with creating a 1-foot deep barrier or do I attempt to reach the footing 7 feet below the surface? The finished portion of basement has drop tile ceiling and every year I inspect and find no termite evidence. But we do have termites in wood pile which is 60 feet from house.
First, please review our Barrier treatment article. You still want to trench 6inx6in all the around the perimeter. You do not have to reach the footer. In places you cannot trench you would drill every 12 in using a 18 in long 1/2 inch wide drill bit. It is fantastic that you keep up with your inspections. Unfortunantly, many areas of the U.S. are prone to termites. It is very common to find termites out in the yard. The best way to protect your home from termites would be with this barrier treatment using Termidor SC. Once in the soil Termidor will bind with it and last up to 10 years. Each 20 oz bottle will give you 60 feet of trenching.
Answer last updated on: 01/19/2015
