Types of Wood Boring Insects

There are several insects that can cause significant damage to your home. Termites are the most common and can be drywood or dampwood varieties, but carpenter ants and some powderpost beetles can also create very serious problems in the structure of a home. The damage can be underway for years before it’s discovered.

A trained and certified InterNACHCI inspector can inform you of any active or pre-existing infestation and the extent of the damage.

What Happens During a Termite Inspection

Your InterNACHI Inspector will Inspect your property completely to ascertain if there is an active or pre-existing infestation and if any damage is present. They will also look for conditions that could be an invitation to an infestation and recommend any remedial measures.

What Does An Appraiser Look For?

Within the legal boundaries of the home and property, appraisers will look for any area that could potentially be a target for wood destroying insects like termites. The frames and bottoms of exterior doors are a common area of damage, as is any wood siding that touches the ground. Crawlspaces are thoroughly inspected as this is another common area of entry. Inspectors will look for tell-tale mud tunnels on the exterior of the home that may be a sign of an active or previous infestation.

Garages, porches, patios and out buildings are also inspected. Entry points for utilities like electrical meters and gas service are common areas of damage as well, and plants near the home can hide damage. Anywhere earth and wood meet is prime territory for termites.

Termites can also swarm, so window sills, gables, soffits and eaves are examined for evidence. Dead and damp vegetation is also inspected for evidence of activity. Indeed, the first sign of an infestation is a swarm of termites on a window or near a light. When they are found inside a home, it’s a clear sign there is an active infestation as are termite wings in cobwebs or on window sills.

Your inspector will look for areas of water damage that can indicate water leaks and decayed wood which is an open invitation for termite infestation. Plumbing and utility pipes where they enter the foundation or floor can also be a point of entry as are doors, baseboards, windows and flooring. Shelter tubes for termites can even be found in attics.

Wood is examined for damage. It if sounds hollow when struck that can be a sign of damage even if the wood does not appear to be damaged. In these cases, a sharp tool can be used to find the termite galleries or existing damage.

How Are Termites Controlled?

The potential infestation must be reduced, termite entry to the home must be prevented and, for existing infestations, chemicals must be applied to kill the existing termites and prevent future infestations. Any damage must be repaired.

My Inspector Found Termites. What Do I Do?

Specialized equipment is needed to treat for termites. A pest control company is needed to perform the chemical treatment. The only sure way to be sure termites have been eradicated is fumigation and heating. In the case of localized or small infestations a local treatment can be effective but you run the risk of hidden infestations not being eradicated.

During heat treatment the home is covered with tarps and hot air is blown in until the temperature reaches 140 degress farenheit and the timbers reach 120.

Local treatments involve pesticides, electric current, extreme heat, cold or microwaves, or a combination of methods. Replacement of damaged wood also needs to be addressed. Again, a local treatment runs the risk that undiscovered areas can continue to grow and cause damage. A pest control company that claims whole-house results with local or spot control methods is guilty of false advertising and should be reported.

How Can I Prevent Termite Infestations?

Where possible, eliminate any wood to soil contact. Look at fence posts, trellises, stairs and door faces. They can be put on masonry or on treated wood. Leave space, at least 2 inches, between any planters and the house and separate any plants and shrubs from the house to allow for easy inspection of the foundation.

Rotting wood is an invitation. Use pressure-treated lumber when building outdoor structures like decks and remove any firewood, stumps or wood scraps from around the foundation.

Seal any openings and ensure you have at least 12 inches of clearance between soil and any floor beams.

Finally, if you are purchasing or selling a home, you can trust that a trained and certified InterNACHCI inspector from Peach State Home Inspections will notify you of any active or pre-existing infestation, give you a review of the damage and recommend a course of remedial action.

If you’re thinking of selling your home or have a property in mind to purchase, contact us today to talk to a certified inspector!