Having lived in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and now Nevada over 70 years experience building residential homes, my control of everything has been to spread used motor oil around the perimeter of any structure, you can use a condiment container filled with the oil and open a trench 1” wide and 1” deep walk around the structure and pour a continuous line of oil into the trench, afterwards pour a little soil over the trench and it will deter bugs, spiders, scorpions and even mice, I renew about twice a year. This has amazed me at how well it works and also I am not using potential hazardous chemicals. Before you post a negative reply, remember if it works don’t knock it.🎯
Find a Gen Contractor in your area that will provide guidance with each step as you go. You're doing a ton of extra work that could be avoided with the experience of someone who's done this before. Every time you "re-do" something it compromises what has already been done. Please ask around and find someone who will donate their time to provide some expertise. There are lots of us retired contractors here in AZ that would be glad to help! Please, Don.
Anytime I'm using liquids that require application over large areas, I typically turn to my garden sprayer. I use it for staining and Waterproofing. Sometimes I'll just fill it with water and use it for General Cooling
Another suggestion is to buy dehydrated boric acid as Borax powder and sprinkle that around your piers and lumber for extended protection from termites.
Has worked wonders for all of my outbuildings for 30 years. Spray it down with a little water so the wind doesn't blow it away. No need for expensive pre-mixed stuff. 'A fool and his money' and all that jazz.
There are termites here in Cochise County. The gov't warns about them. I see them when digging, moving rotting mesquite trees, and even swarming during monsoon. But my research agrees with yours. I've asked all my neighbors, none have any termite damage in their homes. If termites are really a problem here, then they are a very slow problem.
You have the patience of Job. If I were doing that kind of work it would be: A patient from the job. You are always willing to go back and correct an issue, like the shims, you're a great DIY teacher. You have one of the best anti-termite chemicals you can buy in my opinion, with regular inspections you should be termite free. I should have said this first, but i'm sorry for your losses, your friend and family.
Hi Don, I am so sorry for your loss of your friend and also a family member. My heart goes out to you. And from this video, I can certainly admire your patience. I saw good habits in action. I hope to increase my ability of patience by taking this example from you, Have an amazing week Don!🥰 Thanks for sharing your adventure!
I'm so glad you are doing some deterrants of termites at your build, Don. I lived with termites in Mexico. They are the worst little bugs ever. Literally, they can eat you out of house and home.
I would move my 37' 5th wheel on the property, install the septic system first. Drill a water well, install a solar system with back up generator. Lay out plans for a huge steel building, work shop garage with electric lift, then I would frame "a house" inside at a corner of the building. Build a wall to partition off the garage. The two things that worry me are wild animals and Intruders whenever I leave.
Ha Don. Great video. The box stores make a painters roller screen that fits in a 5-gallon bucket, so you use the bucket instead of a paint tray and less likely to tip over and spill ingredients.
Don, When the going gets tough, you get going! Push onward and forward!... Keep visualizing your dreams. Wish I was there helping out! Namaste. Marine Corps veteran Charlie :-).
As Nancy Reagan said, "Just say NO to termites!" lol. I agree about trying to keep the whole contact area shimmed, not just a part of it: good idea, good work. Also love the termite prevention. Worth every penny and the labor. Thanks for the great video!
Don, so sorry for your recent loss of loved ones. Next time you might want to get a garden/lawn plastic pressure sprayer. They have a long hose that would of reached the underside of your beams. A very handy item to have on hand without all the commando crawling. Plus that sprayer can be used for multiple other spraying projects.
Another good tip I learned years ago that is also very inexpensive is to use the "OOPS" paint found at any home improvement store. This paint that was colored wrong or messed up in some way is sold very cheaply in the 5 gallon buckets. When a little water is added, it can be sprayed to cover all of the exposed wood to help prevent termite and moisture damage.
Yes, AZ has termites. We had to treat the house because of them. Most builders treat the ground. If you have too much mixed you could put it on the soil.
Sorry for your losses. RIP . Don, try using a '"Morgan sprayer" next time. ten bucks at harbor freight... i use them for my pesticides and spraying on waterproofing stain on my wooden fences. it will save you much time in future painting staining.
We have termites in our town , after every good rain , you will see mud straws every where , so here I also mix bug juice with my paint , I coat the wood just like you did , and if I am going to paint ,it I also mix it in the paint . and also put diatomaceous earth around the base of everything and under the pavers ,
I live not far away in Tucson and know the owners of two of the better insect control companies, AZ Pest/Termite Control and Truly Nolen. I talked with both about some things I researched (since watching your video) such as Concrete eating termites. I got blurry answers from both people about almost everything related to termite control, including no price estimate. So, I asked.... as a customer.... what should I do to protect my structures, and both told me have an annual inspection and treatment as needed. Good grief, some kind of top secret termite situation going on. Anyway, our home has a 5" concrete foundation, and I personally found tubes coming up from the ground the entire 5 inches. We had to have some holes drilled into the concrete, filled with something and covered back up. IMPORTANT: Both owners said the product you just used has been a 'game changer' in the termite control industry and is the only thing they use anymore!! Good job Don.... PS: We have a 308 sq.ft. shed with plywood floor and walls....sitting on 4x4 treated wood. No termites at all. No treatment ever done. Installed in 2006 and it's just fine. (First and foremost, my deepest sympathies to you and other loved ones left behind from your two close losses. It's difficult.)
Great question Gary. I didnt include it in the video but I bought a $30.00 pump sprayer but I may have improperly mixed it the first time because it was too thick so the pump mechanism would not work. I read others had issues as well. So unsure if the product can be used successfully that way.
Hi Don! Always nice to see you. Smart investment you are making there. But is it also an idea to do this on wood elsewhere on the property as well? And you listened to good helpers again. Keep going, I'm already looking forward to the next video.
hopefully yer gunna have a access hatch or sumthin underneath for later access. need a mechanics creeper w like 6 inch wheels to slide around underneath....
WOW Don. I d say your somewhat of a perfectionist. Guess I'd build me a shack like I did here in N.C.moutains. If the world blows up tomorrow I got plenty of ammo and fishing lines. But I respect you for being a Classy Dude
It is a good idea to take preventive action now. My relative in Tucson has had several issues, being a long time resident. It is not pleasant if you have to cut open a wall or floor to get to the problem.
Good job Don. It would have been better if you were able to treat all the lumber before assembly. You really want lots of the solution to get into the end grain of the joists. I don't know what you did with your block foundation?, but it's great to get some down in the blocks as those devil insects love to come up through block.
Belated thanks for your input Tim. Yes indeed would have been easier. Wasnt sure how and what to treat it with so late decision. I will treat the blocks as well so good comment.
That's really good. You treat in the wood, but that'll fall off within a few years..... In your crawl space. Every 5 years I would spray the entire ground in your crawlspace with terminado or the generic equivalent, which is half the price.
Somewhere in the Bora Care directions it says to mix using hot water. Also, if you come up short of the chemical you can substitute in a DIY version. Using ethylene glycol antifreeze, hot water, and powdered boric acid. I had a powder post beetle infestation in my crawl space and Bora Care nuked those little buggers permanently.
Hey Don.. the jack only needs about 1 full turn to loosen or tighten it.. Just a helpful hint. and uhhh... look into the camera not the screen.. lol.. Well done though.
Great content Don. Will you need this on the underside of your flooring? We are going to be in Cochise county tomorrow or so for a little while. Looking forward to seeing Bisbee, Toombstone and Sierra Vista.
Am 63, so I'll be dead long before any termites will eat up my house. The home I grew up in was built in 1940 and still standing in 1985 when it was sold. Every year termites would be flying out of the wood window frames but it is still sanding. 🤣So don't worry too much you'll be okay.
Originally yes but I read that this can cause extra condensation and potential degrading of the lumber sitting on the concrete block piers. So I removed it all and went for strong plastic shims.
I don't mean to be rude, but it appears you have decision paralysis. You seem to be doing everything possible to avoid actually laying down the floor and begin erecting walls. 2 minutes of research tells me pressure treated wood is termite resistant unless left in a high moisture area. Not much moisture on concrete piers in the desert.
LOL fun comment. Actually you might check to see that I became unparalyzed lately and am out of the wheel chair even. As in my walls are being constructed. Fun job for sure.
Have you planned out the next 1000 years after Jesus returns to earth in power he will give you a new body .. maybe store some things underground for when you return with him you can dig it up like laturns lamps or noon electric tools the old kind
Used motor oil works better. Lasts longer and gives the wood a beautiful shine. And it is free. And you can get a painters tray inside a 5 gallon bucket and a wide thick nap roller to reduce your rolling time by 900%
Having lived in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and now Nevada over 70 years experience building residential homes, my control of everything has been to spread used motor oil around the perimeter of any structure, you can use a condiment container filled with the oil and open a trench 1” wide and 1” deep walk around the structure and pour a continuous line of oil into the trench, afterwards pour a little soil over the trench and it will deter bugs, spiders, scorpions and even mice, I renew about twice a year. This has amazed me at how well it works and also I am not using potential hazardous chemicals. Before you post a negative reply, remember if it works don’t knock it.🎯
Find a Gen Contractor in your area that will provide guidance with each step as you go. You're doing a ton of extra work that could be avoided with the experience of someone who's done this before. Every time you "re-do" something it compromises what has already been done. Please ask around and find someone who will donate their time to provide some expertise. There are lots of us retired contractors here in AZ that would be glad to help! Please, Don.
Thanks for caring! and for watching.
Anytime I'm using liquids that require application over large areas, I typically turn to my garden sprayer.
I use it for staining and Waterproofing.
Sometimes I'll just fill it with water and use it for General Cooling
Great idea. This chemical was too thick for a sprayer. Maybe I mixed it too thick.
Another suggestion is to buy dehydrated boric acid as Borax powder and sprinkle that around your piers and lumber for extended protection from termites.
Is there anything BORAX can’t do? It has heath benefits too, for females at least!
4:28 I’m so sorry. That really sucked!
1st thing that popped up, in my mind.....YES!
Has worked wonders for all of my outbuildings for 30 years. Spray it down with a little water so the wind doesn't blow it away. No need for expensive pre-mixed stuff. 'A fool and his money' and all that jazz.
Thanks for the tip Michael.
There are termites here in Cochise County. The gov't warns about them. I see them when digging, moving rotting mesquite trees, and even swarming during monsoon. But my research agrees with yours. I've asked all my neighbors, none have any termite damage in their homes. If termites are really a problem here, then they are a very slow problem.
Thats encouraging for sure. Thanks!
You have the patience of Job. If I were doing that kind of work it would be: A patient from the job. You are always willing to go back and correct an issue, like the shims, you're a great DIY teacher. You have one of the best anti-termite chemicals you can buy in my opinion, with regular inspections you should be termite free. I should have said this first, but i'm sorry for your losses, your friend and family.
Thank you for all of those supportive comments!
A whole lot of rolling going on .Aye, when the roller tray fell over i felt your pain. Great job as usual Don.
Late reply to say how much I appreciate you faithfully commenting Graeme.
Hi Don, I am so sorry for your loss of your friend and also a family member. My heart goes out to you. And from this video, I can certainly admire your patience. I saw good habits in action. I hope to increase my ability of patience by taking this example from you, Have an amazing week Don!🥰 Thanks for sharing your adventure!
So appreciate your lovely comments Martha!
sorry to hear about your friends Don. wishing you the best.
Much appreciated
I'm so glad you are doing some deterrants of termites at your build, Don. I lived with termites in Mexico. They are the worst little bugs ever. Literally, they can eat you out of house and home.
Late reply Linda but yes they can be bothersome for sure!
The more I watch your progress on your house, the more I think I'm making mine out of concrete.
I would move my 37' 5th wheel on the property, install the septic system first. Drill a water well, install a solar system with back up generator.
Lay out plans for a huge steel building, work shop garage with electric lift, then I would frame "a house" inside at a corner of the building. Build a wall to partition off the garage.
The two things that worry me are wild animals and Intruders whenever I leave.
Great to have choices.
Rainwater harvesting is the key here.
Ha Don. Great video. The box stores make a painters roller screen that fits in a 5-gallon bucket, so you use the bucket instead of a paint tray and less likely to tip over and spill ingredients.
Thanks for the info!
Don, When the going gets tough, you get going! Push onward and forward!... Keep visualizing your dreams. Wish I was there helping out! Namaste. Marine Corps veteran Charlie :-).
Always appreciate you Charlie.
Very sorry for your loss Don:(((
Many thanks for caring.
Thanks!
Thanks so much John!
Sorry for your...loss
FYI use a Morgan Sprayer to coat the wood Huge time saver and easy to use.
Or most any airless sprayer..
Seemed to be thick to use the sprayer on.
Thanks Lee much appreciated.
As Nancy Reagan said, "Just say NO to termites!" lol. I agree about trying to keep the whole contact area shimmed, not just a part of it: good idea, good work. Also love the termite prevention. Worth every penny and the labor. Thanks for the great video!
Many thanks for watching.
So sorry for your loss. I would definitely protect against termites.
Thank you queen.
really never heard of termites being a problem unless the wood is on the ground
The drywood termites are above ground and fly to their next victim during swarming season like spring and fall.
I've seen termite tubes tunnels on concrete block before.
They seem to find a way to cause havoc.
Don, I’m sorry to hear of your recent losses of your family member and of a good friend!
Thanks for caring gussie.
Good Job!
Thanks Jim!
Bummed to hear of your loss Don, but good thinking on the termites. Keep up the good work. Slow and study wins the race.
Thanks for the encouragement Lep.
Don, Sorry for the loss of a friend and family member
Thanks so much for caring.
So sorry to hear of the losses of your friend and your family member Don. 🙏🏾❤
Late reply many thanks for caring Michelle.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Always my friend! 🙂
6:20 no kidding! That’s a lotta work alone! My back is hurting just watching you.
LOL but it got done. Thats the main thing.
Sorry bout your recent loss 🥺
It’s always good to be prepared 😉👵🏻👩🌾❣️
Thanks so much Dee.
Don, so sorry for your recent loss of loved ones.
Next time you might want to get a garden/lawn plastic pressure sprayer. They have a long hose that would of reached the underside of your beams. A very handy item to have on hand without all the commando crawling. Plus that sprayer can be used for multiple other spraying projects.
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words Rags.
Did you consider using a pump sprayer?
I tried it Larry but the liquid was too thick to go through the nozzle.
Another good tip I learned years ago that is also very inexpensive is to use the "OOPS" paint found at any home improvement store. This paint that was colored wrong or messed up in some way is sold very cheaply in the 5 gallon buckets. When a little water is added, it can be sprayed to cover all of the exposed wood to help prevent termite and moisture damage.
good tip thanks!
Love watching your progress. Doing a great job. Take care and be safe when working on everything there.
So delighted you watch Rutha
Yes, AZ has termites. We had to treat the house because of them. Most builders treat the ground. If you have too much mixed you could put it on the soil.
Good tip thanks!
Nothing phases you ! That's totally awesome Don :)
How super kind. Thank you!
you did a beautiful job. On frame and foundation SALUD god bless.
Many thanks Daniel! Appreciate you being here.
Sorry for your losses. RIP .
Don, try using a '"Morgan sprayer" next time. ten bucks at harbor freight... i use them for my pesticides and spraying on waterproofing stain on my wooden fences. it will save you much time in future painting staining.
We have termites in our town , after every good rain , you will see mud straws every where , so here I also mix bug juice with my paint , I coat the wood just like you did , and if I am going to paint ,it I also mix it in the paint . and also put diatomaceous earth around the base of everything and under the pavers ,
Great tips many thanks
I live not far away in Tucson and know the owners of two of the better insect control companies, AZ Pest/Termite Control and Truly Nolen. I talked with both about some things I researched (since watching your video) such as Concrete eating termites. I got blurry answers from both people about almost everything related to termite control, including no price estimate. So, I asked.... as a customer.... what should I do to protect my structures, and both told me have an annual inspection and treatment as needed. Good grief, some kind of top secret termite situation going on. Anyway, our home has a 5" concrete foundation, and I personally found tubes coming up from the ground the entire 5 inches. We had to have some holes drilled into the concrete, filled with something and covered back up. IMPORTANT: Both owners said the product you just used has been a 'game changer' in the termite control industry and is the only thing they use anymore!! Good job Don.... PS: We have a 308 sq.ft. shed with plywood floor and walls....sitting on 4x4 treated wood. No termites at all. No treatment ever done. Installed in 2006 and it's just fine.
(First and foremost, my deepest sympathies to you and other loved ones left behind from your two close losses. It's difficult.)
Many thanks for the kind comments.
Could you have used a pump up sprayer for application??
Great question Gary. I didnt include it in the video but I bought a $30.00 pump sprayer but I may have improperly mixed it the first time because it was too thick so the pump mechanism would not work. I read others had issues as well. So unsure if the product can be used successfully that way.
Hi Don! Always nice to see you. Smart investment you are making there. But is it also an idea to do this on wood elsewhere on the property as well? And you listened to good helpers again. Keep going, I'm already looking forward to the next video.
Great comments thanks Morten!
You may also want to do a termiticide treatment in the soil around each footing such as Taurus SC.
Good suggestion. Thank you.
Hello, Don. So sorry to hear about the loss of your family member and friend. The build is progressing nicely!
Thanks so much Ed. Late reply but I sure appreciate your kind interaction.
Im about 120klm from O'Rielys .
It burnt down about 4 years ago in the big bushfires that we had here
Nope. The surrounding area had issues but good old O'Reillys carrys on and showcases its beautiful grounds to travelers from all over the globe!
Awesome job 👍👍👏👏👏👏💯💯💯💯💯💯 done , get errr done sir
Thanks Beach appreciate you being here.
I've been pulled in...wish you the best!
So delighted you are watching William!
Don, you are very agile! You are doing a lot of hard work💚 I hope all works out on your foundation/build 🌵
Thanks for all of the affirmation. Just delightful.
Hey Don. Hoping all is well over your way. Just checking up on you. Cheers.
Doing well Rick. Back from the Home Country.
hopefully yer gunna have a access hatch or sumthin underneath for later access. need a mechanics creeper w like 6 inch wheels to slide around underneath....
Yep will definitely have a hatch. I find scooting around on the thermrest mat works at this point. Thanks.
WOW Don. I d say your somewhat of a perfectionist. Guess I'd build me a shack like I did here in N.C.moutains. If the world blows up tomorrow I got plenty of ammo and fishing lines. But I respect you for being a Classy Dude
Thanks so very much David. Keep watching!
Sorry to hear about your loss 😢
Many thanks.
My condolences 🙏
Many thanks.
You are impressive...and smart to listen to the comments/suggestions :-) Looking good!
😊 thank you
It is a good idea to take preventive action now. My relative in Tucson has had several issues, being a long time resident. It is not pleasant if you have to cut open a wall or floor to get to the problem.
Yes indeed. Insects don't mess around as far as doing what they do.
Why didn’t you use a pump sprayer to apply
Actually you get a deeper penitration by rolling it on.
Also the substance didnt seem to work with a sprayer. I made it too thick I think.
it dose not look too cold, sorry abt your friend's passing, a bummer for sure.
Thanks so much.
Good job Don. It would have been better if you were able to treat all the lumber before assembly. You really want lots of the solution to get into the end grain of the joists. I don't know what you did with your block foundation?, but it's great to get some down in the blocks as those devil insects love to come up through block.
Belated thanks for your input Tim. Yes indeed would have been easier. Wasnt sure how and what to treat it with so late decision. I will treat the blocks as well so good comment.
You did your homework!
Thanks!
New glasses? Nice!
Yep finally now need glasses in this stage of life. Thanks!
What about using a spray pump, the kind some people are using to shower with.
Great suggestion Jane. It seemed to thick to work.
That's really good. You treat in the wood, but that'll fall off within a few years..... In your crawl space. Every 5 years I would spray the entire ground in your crawlspace with terminado or the generic equivalent, which is half the price.
good tips thanks.
Somewhere in the Bora Care directions it says to mix using hot water. Also, if you come up short of the chemical you can substitute in a DIY version. Using ethylene glycol antifreeze, hot water, and powdered boric acid. I had a powder post beetle infestation in my crawl space and Bora Care nuked those little buggers permanently.
Good tips thanks!
Hopper sprayer would have saved time and got in tight places.
liquid was too thick.
Well mate, if nothing else, it's keeping you nimble and fit 😂
No question kezza.
We used BoraCare on our deck. Three years on and all is well! (Also in Cochise County.)
Great to hear Lori!
thumbs up
Thanks Tom.
Hey Don, you must of been tired crawling over those beams!
I was happy to have it done LOL.
Hey Don.. the jack only needs about 1 full turn to loosen or tighten it.. Just a helpful hint. and uhhh... look into the camera not the screen.. lol.. Well done though.
Good tip thanks.
you could setup a annual contract w a pest company to come and do what they do. my cousin does it in 3 points outside tucson.
Yep but finances say no unfortunately.
You are over your ski's. The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in less time than the structure you have yet to close in.
Haha
Funny comments. Cross country skis to be exact.
Don't you have to treat the underside of the wood where it rests on the piers?
Will spray in some later.
Great content Don. Will you need this on the underside of your flooring? We are going to be in Cochise county tomorrow or so for a little while. Looking forward to seeing Bisbee, Toombstone and Sierra Vista.
Don't go to Tombstone in high tourist season. Hardly got to see anything. Tourists always in the way.
Winter is the best time cuz. Lots to enjoy.
No should be fine as its super treated OSB.
Maybe look into metal termite shields. The fourth time might be the charm?
Thanks for the suggestions.
I wonder if you used a spray bottle or spray jug would work more efficiently for applying the product?
I tried. The liquid was too thick.
Am 63, so I'll be dead long before any termites will eat up my house. The home I grew up in was built in 1940 and still standing in 1985 when it was sold. Every year termites would be flying out of the wood window frames but it is still sanding. 🤣So don't worry too much you'll be okay.
Thanks for input and thoughts.
Look at it this way...
Those ground termites definitely won't be where it spilled!
LOL.
Good idea I didn’t know that had termites either?
Yep but dont seem to be a big problem all in all from what my neighbors say.
Do you have.metal between the blocks and the floor joists?
Originally yes but I read that this can cause extra condensation and potential degrading of the lumber sitting on the concrete block piers. So I removed it all and went for strong plastic shims.
You know what sucks....that foundation won't be visible when your house is done. You're obviously proud of it.
Could have been sprayed on much faster with a hand pump garden sprayer...
Didnt work. Liquid was too thick.
Bora care sounds like Borax soap, I use borax to kill bugs naturally but it's granulated
Sounds similar for sure.
Jack it up a 4th time and put a termite shield on every pier between the cement block and the wood.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Is it possible to spray that stuff with an airless sprayer?
I tried it but it seemed to thick.
The borax stuff does a good job.
No question. Thanks.
What interaction if any have you had with rattlesnakes or tarantulas?
Have had 4 rattlesnakes so far and a couple of tarantulas. I keep an eye out for snakes. The tarantulas are harmless. Actually really cool I think.
I make my own with Ethyln glycol, borax soap and boratic acid. Comes to about $30 a gallon.
Wow that sounds handy.
I don't mean to be rude, but it appears you have decision paralysis. You seem to be doing everything possible to avoid actually laying down the floor and begin erecting walls. 2 minutes of research tells me pressure treated wood is termite resistant unless left in a high moisture area. Not much moisture on concrete piers in the desert.
LOL fun comment. Actually you might check to see that I became unparalyzed lately and am out of the wheel chair even. As in my walls are being constructed. Fun job for sure.
Not to worry, I'm still following along.
Re the re-shimming...
If you back up an redo stuff every time someone says anything.... you'll never get done.
LOL yep even I have my limits.
Why wood….?
Shift to cement
Steel studs
Don’t waste your energy….here in sd we have more than 7 species….nothing will stand after 10 yrs…!
Wood works best for my budget.
4:38 The Termite-nator, "I'll be back."
exactly LOL.
I cringed when the tray dropped.
Me too LOL.
A Hudson Sprayer is your friend…
liquid was too thick.
You're too types of homes in Arizona. 1 that termites, and ones that will get termites.
Yikes. Glad I treated for them then.
I’m surprised, with every turn of my head; by the title heading I thought this was going to be about ‘illegal immigrants’ not pilgrims though.
Have you planned out the next 1000 years after Jesus returns to earth in power he will give you a new body .. maybe store some things underground for when you return with him you can dig it up like laturns lamps or noon electric tools the old kind
😢oh how annoying
Can be yep.
Used motor oil works better. Lasts longer and gives the wood a beautiful shine. And it is free. And you can get a painters tray inside a 5 gallon bucket and a wide thick nap roller to reduce your rolling time by 900%
Great tips thanks Scott.