Hello,
I came across some structural damage and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. There are potentially signs of mud-tubes in the crawl space, but the damage to the wood is something that looks to be a cross between termite and carpenter ants, with smooth tunnels. Any ideas from someone who’s pretty experienced with stuff would be appreciated.
Also, of course the buyers know and will have a pest control company come in, but it’s more for posterity.
Thanks
Mike
Michael, was there frass below this pic?:
And, is this frass below? (Saw dust looking stuff?)
If so, the damage is probably caused by carpenter ants.
I think the house had alien life in it. Where is @mgoldenberg
OK fine!
Looks like subs. Most of Washington Sate is in TIP Zone 3 meaning slight to moderate activity. I don’t see any fecal pellets so I ruled out Dampwood Termites.
The configuration of the damage - what type of wood is that?
My guess is Douglas Fir. It is a softwood they like, however has some characteristics of hardwoods. The subs will be intentionally lazy & follow the soft areas, which may have much to do with what you’re seeing.
I first though Formosan Termites but there has never been a recorded instance of them out there.
ps>> My termite company was the first one to discover Formosan Termites in Hallandale Beach where they were destroying a 3 story condo bldg. Had to take samples for Univ of FL.
Thanks Marc, I think it is best to just say WDO and leave it to the expert. Sometimes even the experts have a tough time figuring it out.
Termite damage.
Thanks everyone for the input. It turns out to be the work of moisture ants, which are wood destroying organisms, but are not structural pests. They only affect damp/deteriorating wood. In all my five years of inspecting, I’ve never come across this, and since they’re not structural pests, I didn’t see them during the SPI training either. Below is a link to more info on them. https://www.buellinspections.com/moisture-ants-unlike-carpenter-ants-they-actually-build-things/
