Crawlspace Painted

At today's inspection, I got into a the crawlspace and found the subfloor and floor joist have been painted. The only exception is some of the subfloor in the bathroom has been replaced. Crawling around the perimeter and checking the joist with a probe, I found a couple locations that were soft enough for the probe to go up to the handle. Those areas look like termite damage. Does painting the wood help deter termites from coming back?
Thanks.

I've not heard of paint used as termite deterrent. However, often paint is sprayed after mold treatment. I'd note the deteriorated wood and recommend further review by structural pest control and repair as they recommend.

Anytime I see a painted crawlspace or attic it is either mold treatment or covering previous fire damage.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 02/22/2016 09:56 AM EST

Chad D wrote:At today's inspection, I got into a the crawlspace and found the subfloor and floor joist have been painted. The only exception is some of the subfloor in the bathroom has been replaced. Crawling around the perimeter and checking the joist with a probe, I found a couple locations that were soft enough for the probe to go up to the handle. Those areas look like termite damage. Does painting the wood help deter termites from coming back?
Thanks.

Hi Chad. This condition is generally referred to as "backspraying" in the restoration business. You will see this when fire and/or water/mold restoration has been completed.

I have not heard f that before.

I never go anywhere, without my "HANDY DANDY" probe.