Hello,
I am taking the Wood Destroying Insects Course.
Thank You.
about top start the WDO coarse.
Termites-
Termite baits-
The cons of Termite baiting programs out weigh the pros for the elimination of Termites. After 7 years as a pest control professional, I have found (for this area) that Termite bait programs are not as effective as liquid treatments for control and prevention. Due to the fact that the stations must be monitored by a pest control professional, these programs can become more costly for the home owner as well. Stations are often moved, damaged, filled with dirt or covered by vegetation overgrowth in which monitoring is hindered greatly. Though in the Southern states these programs appear effective, in this area it is not only more costly but less effective and harder to maintain.
Outside deck approximately 2 feet off the ground; No evidence of insects or mud tubes around deck or deck perimeter at the time of the inspection. However there is lattice work around the lower perimeter of the deck that is coming in contact with the ground. This lattice work should be either raised at least 1-3 inches off the ground or dirt should be removed from under the lattice to provide enough space so wood destroying organism do not have a direct path to deck and deck structure also since this lattice work is wood, ground to wood contact will prematurely promote deterioration of wood.
This is the article about avoiding lawsuits. I found it to be a very informative article especially just starting out in this business. Even though I have 18 years in the trades and construction field this is a little different animal on protecting yourself against lawsuits. I truly never thought about getting a caution or stop sign for areas that i’m inspecting like your ladder etc. and also taking three different pictures of the water meter if possible to show no active leaks at the time or after I have left the inspection site. All good stuff and i’m planning to get the library of narratives which i think will be helpful for a new inspector.
This is about the article on how to clean algae and moss off asphalt shingles. Very good article learned some new things. The state of Oregon were I will be conducting inspections has allot of moss and algae build up on roofs. I was unaware of putting zinc or copper strips along the ridge will help keep moss from building up over time, After I do some more research on this it might be another helpful item to add to recommendations for this problem. I would caution anybody about putting on the report about the proper way to clean roof without being explicit that should be done by professional especially if the roof has any pitch to it. The reason why is, I spoke with a inspector recently and he had a client some time back that went on his new roof to clean it and fell off and was able to get his medical bills paid and then some because he said the inspector did not explain that this was dangerous and a professional should be doing the work???
Wood destroying course is great, but should be made available for review and exam practice without having to redo the writing assignments and other requirements once the full course has been completed.
At exterior inspection of home, I noted a large decaying tree stump within inches of the left exterior wall of home. Location and deterioration of stump flagged that the home possibly has termite or other wood boring insect issues. At the interior of the home; wood paneling has been installed over solid wood tongue and groove walls. At numerous locations, paneling was deteriorated; damaged from termite infestation and have worked their way though the paneling. Crawlspace inspected revealed a number of timbers and joists that have termite tubes.
The extent of damage inside the home is indeterminable and paneling will need to be removed in dining room and adjoining walls. Under the home, Some wood framing will need to be replaced. Recommend structural evaluation of main sill at left wall.
Home needs to be completely treated for termites.
Depreciation of Investment Property
Since I have some rental property and work with a number of investors, this article was informative. Most non-investor do not understand that most landlords for the most part, break even or loose on rental property regarding the rental income, but it is the tax benefits that make rental property attractive. As stated, taxes are deferred. When sold, the taxes will be based on the depreciated amount. There are tax deferred exchanges that can be taken advantage of that will deffer the taxes even longer. The idea is like other investments, taxes will be paid when retired and at a lower tax bracket etc.
Often non-investors believe that it is an unfair tax break for landlords. I have grown to realize that if the private sector does not have incentive to own, operated, manage and have the headaches of rental property investment, then who will. Housing project have not worked out well and private ownership places people in diverse communities and not in concentrated projects
In the town I live, 51% of the homes are now rental property. If the landlords did not have an incentive to own, the housing market would probably dive and sufficient rental units would be a problem
signs of excessive moisture observed, on roof sheathing and rafters next to sky lights with black and brown fungal growth observed , orange fungal growth and soft wood conditions exists on facia board, treatment recommended , fungal growth appears active
hi , so for the reading and writing portion of the this course i read wood decay , and wood pecker damage and prevention. The articles are informative and have practical usefulness that i am sure to use in the field.
This is an example of mud tubes that have been built by termites. There were no signs of active termites observed, however this should be noted in the inspection report, as well as in the WDO report. This is one of the easiest ways to tell if there has been termite activity.
Termite Baits:
Termite bait stations are a relatively new method to help protect a structure from termites. They are usually buried in the ground near known termite entry points. They contain a wood cellulose material and poison that the termites will carry back to other termites. This is a non-invasive way to help control termites, although it may take awhile to be effective. Inspectors should note if a termite bait station is found and also be careful not to disturb the station.
Ant Inspection:
Ants can be very prevalent in a home. They are harmless to humans, but ants (especially carpenter ants) can cause destruction to the wood structures in a home. It is important for an inspector to know the difference between winged ants and termites. The easiest way to tell is that termites wings are of equal length, whereas a winged ants wings are different lengths.
The photos show the gas meter on the exterior of the home. Notice also that there is a distance greater than 6" between the siding and the soil. Inspection of the general vicinity of the exposed slab-on-grade showed no presence of mud tubes, live WDI’s or dead WDI’s.
Image of a detached garage wall of wood too close to the ground with evidence of past termite infestation.
Damage to wood frame and wall possible by subterranean termites.
Recommended futher inspection by a qualified WDO inspector or pest control company of the customer preference.
One of the main concerns of wood-destroying organisms is intrusion. As per the attached picture there are several wires protruding through a wooden rafter or floor board. If every one of these wires is not properly insulated or caulked it could cause a huge problem. The problem starts on the outside most likely in the soil and continues on through the wire and down through the electrical panel. Some preventative maintenance would be to try to feed the wires through a few pieces of conduit eliminating the dozens of openings in and contacting with the wood. Make sure all holes drilled through the foundation are all insulated and caulked.
Sometimes in modern construction a garage is the last part of the home to be completed. When inspecting a garage always look for shortcuts or poor workmanship.Such as improper fastner installation and inadequate fastners. If there are improper alterations and improper bearing points in the roof trusses this may be the cause of a serious accident,Trusses are designed to bear loads at very specific points. Typical roof trusses should not touch any interior walls and should bear only on the exterior walls.
Senior citizens have designed their homes to last as long as possible without change. If you have ever been home shopping or you are a Inter-Nachi home inspector you should be able to recognize this type of dwelling rather quickly. The outside of the structure will be very uniformed, for example the vegetation will be cut away from the structure as to prevent any moisture or wdo. The yard itself is flawless with not much change to landscape. The inside of the house is neat without an item out of place. Every appliance fits into its designated area as do all cupboards and countertops. These homes although passing inspection. could be costly to update.
the picture shows the stucco at the corner of the exterior wall has been damaged seriously which connected to the ground. not only the moisture but also wood destroying organism have prefect access to get into the wall. repairing recommended.
