Homeowners dread hearing that their house may have termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles or other wood destroying pest issues. These invasive insects can severely damage the structural integrity of your home if left unchecked. Getting a wood destroying pest inspection is crucial for identifying and addressing an infestation early.
In this homeowner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these inspections. You’ll learn about:
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What wood destroying insects to look out for
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Why annual inspections are recommended
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What happens during an inspection
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How inspectors check for damage
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Treatment options if pests are discovered
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DIY vs professional inspections
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Costs involved
Let’s dig into the details! Knowledge is power when dealing with the headache of wood destroying pests.
Common Wood Destroying Pests
Several types of invasive insects feast on the cellulose found in wood materials used to construct homes. Here are the most notorious pests you’ll want an inspection to check for:
Termites
Termites are likely the first pest you think of when it comes to wood destroying pest problems. Several different termite species can wreak havoc through their intricate underground tunnels and soil nesting colonies. Some species swarm while others remain hidden. Either way, termites can severely compromise lumber integrity.
Subterranean termites are most common in warmer climates as they prefer heat. But drywood termites thrive in temperate zones. Dampwood termites like moist climates. Regardless of climate, termites can strike fear in any homeowner’s heart for good reason – they feast on cellulose materials voraciously.
Carpenter Ants
Don’t let their name fool you. Carpenter ants tunnel into wood like termites but don’t actually “eat” it. They excavate moist lumber to form galleries and nesting spaces for their colonies. This excavation severely compromises structural stability. Their size adds to the damage they impart.
Wood Boring Beetles
Several varieties of wood boring beetles can damage homes. For instance, old house borers, longhorn beetles and powersport beetles. Larvae of these beetles tunnel and feed creating holes, sawdust and weakened frames. An active infestation is alarming to discover.
Wood Decay Fungi
Unlike insects, fungal organisms don’t literally take bites out of lumber. But wood rotting fungi breakdown cellulose through growing hyphae releasing enzymes. Their root-like filaments impart structural weaknesses leaving wood soft and spongy. Wet, dark areas often cultivate fungi.
What To Expect During a Wood Destroying Pest Inspection
Professional wood destroying pest inspectors follow a systematic process to methodically scrutinize a home’s vulnerable areas. Homeowners are encouraged to accompany the inspector during the assessment. That way you can get on-the-job education about detecting issues.
The inspection focuses most attention on areas where wood materials adjoin soil contact. This prime interaction zone allows subterranean termites, ants and beetles access points to begin boring into lumber from below ground. Expect the inspector to spend significant time probing foundations.
Crawlspaces, basements, slabs and porches serve as key locations for inspectors to tap wood surfaces while listening for telltale hollow pockets. This sounding technique helps gauge the structural integrity beneath exterior wood finishes. Hollow areas often indicate decaying damage from pest activity and fungal growth underneath.
Attics also warrant careful examination during wood destroying pest inspection. Roof and ceiling rafters, truss supports, ventilation areas and exposed framing offer ingress for drywood termites and wood boring beetles. Inspectors peer into cracks with bright flashlights scanning for sawdust evidence, larvae and damage.
While inspecting for insects, professional examiners also keep eyes peeled for conducive moisture conditions promoting wood rot fungi. Gutters, leaks, condensation sources, landscape drainage and bursts all provide pathways to wood decay. Recommendations for moisture control accompany most inspection reports.
Addressing Pest Problems After Discovery
Even with diligent preventative inspections, wood destroying pests inevitably sneak by. Don’t panic if your inspector discovers active insects or consequential damage. Today’s treatment options can rectify most pest predicaments and restore structural integrity.
Chemical Treatments
Powerful and strategic application of termiticides (targeted pesticides) provides initial knock-down of spreading colonies while imparting lasting chemical zones of protection. Baits and dusts directly kill pests and/or impair their life cycles.
Combining products and methods is common for comprehensive treatment plans timed seasonally for maximum impact. Chemical interventions require professional planning and execution. DIY attempts often prove inadequate allowing pests to continue destruction.
Physical Barriers
Physical obstructions can keep subterranean termites from gaining ground access to wood framing areas. Metal mesh, sand barriers and synthetic sheets installed during construction or retrofitted create impenetrable boundaries against insects boring through soil.
Wood Reinforcement & Replacement
Once pests compromise integrity of load-bearing lumber, reinforcement or replacement becomes necessary. Sistering new solid framing next to damaged wood, entire beam exchange and added supplemental supports all strengthen structural stability.
Carpenter ants damage also warrants rebuilding damaged areas. Their tendency to excavate deep narrow channels hidden from open view requires presumed extensive repairs upon discovery for safety’s sake. Open up galleries to access full damage extent.
Costs of Wood Destroying Pest Inspections
Like most home services, wood destroying pest inspection costs vary geographically plus differ based on property specifics like size. However, average homeowners can expect to invest around $75-150 for complete professional examinations. Regional pricing approximates:
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West Coast – $100-200
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Southeast – $100-250
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Northeast – $50-150
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Midwest – $50-100
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Southwest– $50-150
Many pest control companies include complimentary inspection callbacks at intervals post-treatment to confirm efficacy. Some charge nominal fees for subsequent rechecks. Shop around within your area to compare reputable inspector pricing averaging about $100 per thorough exam and report.
The expense certainly adds up annually if opting for seasonal inspections over time. But most homeowners gladly pay inspectors to minimize extensive pest damage requiring repairs totaling thousands of dollars if left undetected. An ounce of prevention truly outweighs a pound of cure when it comes to household pests.
In summary
Don’t ignore risks of wood destroying pests which can remain hidden for years while slowly compromising safety. Make professional inspections standard protocol regardless of seeing obvious symptomatic damage or not. Though uneasy to hear, detecting issues early remains key to getting ahead of the problem with a peaceful mind & intact home.
