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dadiOH[_3_]

OP, pay attention to this post, it is accurate.

wrote:
Trenches work for subterranean termites, AFAIK. Around my area in
Florida, dry-wood termites predominate and tenting is the most common
(only?) treatment used, although there are plenty of signs of sub's
around, too. Last I heard, baits worked for subterranean only. Tenting
uses very toxic stuff, and the blue tarps are all over the
place this time of year.

A careful inspection by the homeowner can reveal as much as the
typical pro inspection, but one has to know what to look for - hollow
sounding wood around doors and windows, tiny holes that might have
dark granular stuff spilled out, shed wings around any kind of entry
point (wiring and plumbing openings, gaps in siding, foundation wood
close to the soil, blistered appearance of painted walls or wood,
esp. around doors and windows. Termites can eat the paper coating of
wallboard without penetrating the painted surface. When wood is
attacked, bare wood sometimes had a slightly more rippled appearance
than intact wood, and poking around with an awl will open up termite
tunnels. I'd get at least two inspections by reputable contractors, Also
can sometimes get ID and best treatment method from local
extension service - the better ones have data on predominant strains
of termies.