3 Tips for Properly Disposing Termite Infested Wood

The climate in the Louisiana area already creates a favorable environment for termites, so it is increasingly important that you do not create future problems for yourself due to contaminated wood.

Whether you are renovating your home in response to a termite infestation, clearing out a wooded area that could contain termites, or tearing down an old termite-infested building, it is essential to dispose of this wood in a way that will not lead future termite problems for you or your community.

Here are a few tips to help you get rid of termite infested wood and debris in safe ways:

Tip #1 – Be Careful When Burning Termite Infested Wood

It can be tempting to get rid of termites once and for all by burning the termite infested wood, but this can be dangerous for you, and anyone else involved in the burning. Maintaining a controlled fire can be a very difficult task that, when not executed safely, could put people in danger and could cause a fire that spreads to unwanted areas.

If the wood that you are disposing of is painted, it should not be burned at all. If the wood is coming from a building that was constructed before 1978, there is a good chance that the paint could contain lead. Burning this wood could release harmful toxins into the air, creating a great risk for everyone in the vicinity. The safer option would be to take this painted wood to a proper disposal facility.

Tip #2 – Do Not Bury Termite Infested Wood

Under no circumstances should you bury wood, especially wood that is already suspected of being infested with termites. Even if the wood has previously been treated with termite control products, there is a great chance that the buried wood will eventually attract colonies of termites. Burying the wood is like delivering a food source directly to the subterranean termites in your area.

Tip #3 – Safely Dispose of Downed Trees

Especially if the area is close to a water source, it is always a possibility that the trees that you are disposing of could be infested with termites. Any trees, or shrubs, should be cut into segments that can then be taken to a disposal facility.

After disposing of the bulk of the trees and shrubs, it is important not to neglect the leaves, branches, and other debris that is left behind. These items should be sealed into bags and taken to a landfill or added to the refuse that will be picked up by sanitation trucks.

Legally Transporting Wood Debris in Louisiana

Because Formosan subterranean termites have become such a problem in many parishes throughout Louisiana, the government has imposed a termite quarantine in many of the parishes including, Orleans, Cameron, Jefferson, St. Charles, along with many others.

If you live in one of the quarantined parishes, this means that you must follow strict guidelines when transporting any wood or cellulose material.

When transporting wood, mulch, or any other related items, the materials must first be treated for Formosan termites. The materials not only need to be treated, but the commissioner, or his designee, must approve the transfer of the properly treated materials or provide written authorization for the transfer.

In order to safely move any wood or cellulose items in these Louisiana areas, Ja-Roy can help you navigate through the termite control treatment and the approval process. These regulations are in place to help reduce the spread of Formosan subterranean infestations into homes like yours, and we can help you stay protected as you legally move your materials. For more information about termite treatment please contact us today.