Joist Damaged by Carpenter Ants

[Brian Hartford]

Any advice is greatly appreciated.. One of the 2x6 ceiling joists in our guest bedroom became a temporary home for carpenter ants. The joist is hollowed out the point where it cannot be bearing much load, if any. I'd like to just remove it entirely and replace it. The joists are spaced at 16" and am wondering if this would help maintain support temporarily while I removed and replaced the rotten one.

As for the ants.. hopefully got'em all, but will be keeping up a regimen of Botox Bait and Perimeter granuals.

 

[pilsbury]

Is there good wood either side of the damage? You could sister the joist if there is. Make sure there is a good overlap and bolt straight through in a "W" pattern.

 

[vinn]

The debris stains I can see look like the "mud" remains of subterranean termite tubes?
The top plate also seems to be ravaged - perhaps the double plate is also damaged?
Given the black gas pipe you will have to be cautious about any possible undue pressure on the gas line.

Have you traced back to where the infection began? If not, you must.
You should also closely examine all the framing and wood parts possible - even if they are some distance from the photo and seem unharmed.
If possible, crawl the house & inspect from mud sill to roof sheathing.
Dig out chunks of wood with a small screwdriver.

You must remove the joist and any other damaged piece of framing & replace with sound lumber.