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Wood-Destroying Insects (WDI)
WDI Inspection
When we inspect for wood-destroying insects, there are several different insect species that we focus on. Each can cause significant structural damage to your home. Because their damage is hidden from view, it is not what you see that is the issue, but rather what you don't see that is the real concern.
Termites
Termites can cause significant structural damage to a home if not discovered in time. We are experts at finding evidence of termite infestations in buildings, as well as identifying factors that termites find appealing. They can be hard to find, if you don't know what to look for. We know termites all too well, and we're really good at finding them.
Powderpost Beetles
Powderpost beetles can be one of the hardest pests to discover, because their holes are so tiny. Adult beetles lay their eggs in wood, and the larvae feed on the wood until they emerge. They can cause substantial damage to the wood, while leaving only one tiny hole to indicate their presence. Thus, holes are only one clue that we use to find powderpost beetles.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Ants, unlike termites and powderpost beetles, do not eat wood. They do, however, carve out galleries in wood for their nests. A carpenter ant colony that goes undisturbed for a long enough time can cause substantial damage to wood from their excavations. Like other WDI, the leave only subtle clues of their presence.
Why an independent inspection?
Because we are not a pest control company, our purpose is not to sell you a pest control service that you may or may not need. (We have never seen a pest control company do an inspection, and say they did not find anything). Before you spend possibly thousands of dollars with a pest control company, have an independent inspection first. It is against the law for a home inspector to inspect for WDI, and then to sell the treatment.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees, like carpenter ants, do not eat the wood that they excavate for their nest. The female bee excavates a tube in wood about a half inch in diameter and up to a foot long. The young typically return to the same nest next year, or make a new one nearby. If ignored over a period of years, their damage can become substantial.
Included in every WDI inspection:
Every WDI inspection we perform includes a thorough search for signs of termites, powderpost beetles, carpenter ants, and carpenter beetles. We also observe any locations that might have conditions that could be attractive to any of these pests, and we will let you know what to change to discourage colonization of your home. We also look at nearby sources of termites, such as large trees, that likely harbor termites- we think you should be aware of their presence. Finally, each inspection includes a detailed report on form NPMA-33. This form may be required by some lenders, particularly if there is a past history of WDI infestation in the home.