Tag Archive for: wood destroying insect

Wood-destroying insects, or WDIs, are not limited to just termites. Carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and various beetles such as the Wharf Borer are all examples of common insects that love nothing more than to make a meal out of the wood in your home.

 

The havoc they can wreak on wooden structures is extremely dangerous for any type of home;

First, they look for the kind of wood they prefer: damp or rotting wood that is easier to chew. Then, starting with small, almost invisible holes, they work their way inside and continue chewing until a vast network of tunnels has spread throughout inches if not various feet of your home and weakening the structures severely.

Once these pests have made themselves at home, chemicals to kill off the nest and removal and replacement of damaged wood will be necessary. Preventing future infestations, however, is always a possibility.

 

To ensure your home does not fall victim to a hoard of wood-hungry critters, the following measures can be taken:

 

  • Making sure the wooden structures around the outside of your home are stained or painted and do not make direct contact with the soil
  • Keeping moisture levels to a minimum by fixing leaky pipes or faucets, cleaning gutters, or use pressure-treated wood
  • Seal any and all possible entryways to your home such as cracks in foundation, ducts, and around windows, doors, and air conditioners
  • Inspect any kinds of wood brought in to your home to see if they’ve been stored properly, including antiques
  • have at least a 2-inch clearance between the house and planter boxes or soil-filled porches
  • eliminate all wood-to-soil contacts such as trellises, fence posts, stair casings and door facings
  • separate shrubbery from the house to help make it easier to inspect the foundation line
  • remove wood scraps or stumps from around foundations
  • have at least 12″-18″ clearance between floor beams and the soil underneath

You might have them and not even know it…

 

A wood-destroying insect, or WDI, such as termites, carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and various beetles like the wharf borer, can cause major damage to the wooden components and structure of your home.

 

Because they are hidden behind walls or beneath floors, these insects can go undetected for years leaving your home in unsafe conditions. Anywhere the wooden structures of your home touch soil is a possible access point for termites and other WDIs.

 

If you see the presence of termites in window sills or other areas inside your house, it is most likely already infested.

 

The outside of your home can also leave tell-tale signs of WDI infestation; Check areas like porches, sidewalks, patios, and areas near windows and door frames. If you notice damage or decay on wood features, a wood-destroying insect could be to blame. Pay extra close attention to the wooden parts of areas that are touching the soil such as fences or stairway railings as these are the perfect gateway to the core structure of your home.

 

The best way to find out whether or not your home has fallen victim to the appetites of WDIs is to get yourself a WDI inspection. This service includes a close look at both the outside and insides of your homes to determine what insect, if any, is affecting your home, what damage they have caused, and what you can do to prevent future infestations.

It can be difficult to figure out just whether or not you need a WDI or wood-destroying insect inspection on your home. After all, you can’t very well see through the walls in your home to know if it’s been infested or not.

 

So, how can you determine if a WDI inspection is needed in your home? Trick question.

 

Everyone and every home should get inspected for WDIs.

 

Because it is so hard to tell if your home has fallen victim to termites or other wood-munching insects, it’s a good idea to get it inspected regularly, new home or not.

 

There are a few signs to look for around your home that can be indicative of an infestation such as:

 

  • Decaying or rotting wood structures visible in and outside of the home
  • Small holes in wooden decks, fence posts, window sills, or doorways
  • Small piles of dust below holes
  • Wings or dead bodies of insects in the corners of your home
  • Tiny tubes made or wood or other debris that insects use for shelter

 

Even if you feel you’ve thoroughly inspected your home for these signs, however, that doesn’t mean you don’t have an infestation. 

 

The best way to find a WDI infestation and put a stop to it is to schedule an inspection today so you can put your mind at ease knowing you’re getting rid of the problem and helping to prevent it in the future.