Framing below grade is a termite trap

Framing below grade is a termite trap.

I am trying to warn the world here. Any time wood framing is below the grade it is an open invitation for insects for dinner time.

wood framing below the grade.

We do a lot of patch work where stucco fails due to wood framing below the grade. The wet wood is a feast for termites, carpenter ants, etc. Usually when the wood dries out the carpenter ants leave but the termites stay a while, requiring professional extermination.

I recognizer this as a growing problem as people add mulch and dirt on a regular basis next to the house. This new grade level grows and graows into an insect trap.

The worst part of this seen is that the wood framing at the bottom is what holds the house up. I have seen extreme repairs where the old stucco was the only thing holding up the house.

Again I am trying to warn the world. Hopefully the world will listen.