We are adding a room onto our house and know there are termites in the walls. How can we keep them from getting in? An exterminator told us about the Sentricon System. It goes outside the house, and I am skeptical that it will stop what is living in my walls. What can I do?
A.
Termites living indoors will go out for food and to sunbathe. While the system you describe does have some control over termites, it's really a biological warfare system, since it contains parasites called beneficial nematodes. I'm sure an exterminator can be more specific about what other goodies his system contains, but basically, a parasite climbs onto the back of a termite and eats its little heart out, literally.What you also need to do is strip back any area adjacent to the new addition walls and check for places of entry, small as they may be. Remove all infested wall structure, especially base plates (the 2 x 4 lumber lying on the slab), after making certain all structure is properly braced, of course. Before putting back new treated-lumber base plates, put down a 4-inch-wide by 1/8-inch-thick polystyrene product called "sill sealer." Over the sealer, place an aluminum flashing strip, which is usually about half an inch wider on each side than the base plate. The plate goes on top of the aluminum strip, and this provides the seal system. The metal can then be bent downward over the concrete slab or basewall edge so that siding can be placed on the outside of the wall. It doesn't hurt to put a line of silicone caulk along the edge of the polystyrene before putting down the metal flashing, so the metal isn't just floating above the polystyrene at the edges. This will seal the small places where the termites go and protect your investment. If you suspect that other parts of your house have termites, follow the same procedure, and use a professionally applied insecticide in areas you can't reach.
Q.
My daughter has a nice yard and works hard in the garden. The problem is, there are several cats that are allowed to roam the neighborhood. They use our yard as their litter box. She has to "pooper-scoop" every day. Is there anything we can spray that will keep the cats out without ruining the garden?
A.
Cats like to mark their territory, just like dogs. A dog in the yard is one way to keep cats away, but you may not want to get one. With all the plants and flowers, a cat probably finds the yard an alluring place to look for birds that are attracted there as well. Many people have written to me about various remedies, from cayenne pepper to capfuls of ammonia to cucumber peels, and my favorite, the guy who spreads human urine. (I won't tell you how.) Prickly roses don't work. Here's a source that may be helpful: You can order "Dog and Cat Repellent" (catchy, eh?) from "Jerry Baker's Gardening For Life Catalog." Call (800) 888-0010 and ask for item No. 1609. It'll cost you about $8.95 plus shipping for a 2-pound shaker canister. Determine the square footage you plan to cover before you call, so that if you need more, you can order more at a discount. This may be the purr-fect solution. Good luck!Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Ave., Lawrence, N.Y. 11559Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
