Article: Ant Inspection
This is the article I can learn how to distinguish ants and termites, as well as the evidences of ants infestation in house. Such as swarms of winged ants, piles of sawdust, rustling sound made by carpenter ants.
Article: Termite Baits
Although there are no termites in my area, I am definitely benefited from the knowledge of advantages and disadvantages of termite baiting. Especially for inspectors to know that do not attempt to open or disturb termite baits.
Termites are a wood destroying insect that can cause extensive damage to wood structures. Preventative treatment to a new house is recommended for various reasons. One reason is that pre treatment of the soil makes future treatment, if needed, less invasive.
Mortar joints play a roll in the amount of water that penetrates your brick siding. Weather it is v- joints or concave joints, when done properly the shape of the joint will help to repeal water. The type of joint will also give the structure a different appearance.
I have an inspection tomorrow and the buyer is concerned there has been carpenter ant damage in the past. He wants to make sure the ants are gone and the damage repaired properly. This course has helped me remember the signs to look for on ant infestations.
Wow!
This is an image of a slab on grade foundation with inadequate landscape clearance between the ground the bottom of vinyl siding panels. These items are relevant to inspecting for wood destroying organisms because inadequate landscape clearance can be a conducive condition to attracting wood destroying organisms and concrete slab foundations can have cracks which are potential entry points for wood destroying organisms, particularly subterranean and/or dampwood termites. Other WDO inspection related items are the rain gutters, downspouts and ground drain at the corner of the building. Restricted gutters and blocked ground drains are considered conducive conditions as well.
The following pictures show cracking due to shrinkage/settlement on exterior front wall of the residence. These should be sealed w/ caulk as part of prep & paint to prevent possible infiltration of wood destroying organisms and moisture into residence; especially around the window areas. The homes paint is 10+ yrs. old and is powdery to the touch - indicating breakdown of the paints elasticity and ability to act as a moisture barrier.
The 2 articles I chose were “AFCI Testers” & “Aluminum Siding Inspections”.
I found both articles informative - especially the History of Aluminum Siding in the U.S.
Good post.
Thanks, Joseph.
Recent inspection found wooden posts penetrating through basement slab with evidence of termite infestation. No active termites were noted but tubes and significant damage was observed. Comment in report was written as follows:
Basement Framing: There were wood posts installed penetrating the concrete slab of the basement floor and could provide a conduit for WDO’s (Wood Destroying Organisms). Termite damage was noted as well as termite tubes. No active termites were noted. Due to obvious signs of pest infestation we recommend contacting a “Licensed Pest Control Specialist” for further evaluation and treatment.
Brett Huckabee
Down Home Inspections, LLC
I read articles on termites and wood decay. Wood decay around ones home should not be ignored. Leaks or moisture intrusion left untreated is an attractive place for WDOs to build nests. Once established these insects will quickly remove the strength of wood and compromise the structure. If there is a thought that a house is infected, a professional should be brought in to formulate a plan.
The photo below shows wood where insects have infiltrated. Cutting holes into the wood, some insects will digest the wood and use it as a means to feed their young. Logs or wood with any signs of insect infestation should not be used for construction, and should be destroyed.
On this home I was asked to do a “pest and dry rot” report. I find this confusing. We use the NPMA - 33. There is no mention of dry rot. There is no mention of pest infestation other than insects. At this home I saw one small section of bare wood siding and the area was getting soft. Also, I saw a dead rat under the home. If I simply read the form it looks like neither of these situations is to be reported on this form. Still, the inspection is commonly referred to as a Pest and Dry Rot report by consumers and real estate agents.
We learned about various types of rot in this course. I believe it is considered a Wood Destroying Organism. Still, the NPMA - 33 only asks about insects and evidence of treatment and so forth and not about rot. What should I do?
Two articles read included
Carpet Beetles
Clothing Moths
In each case the necessary prerequisite for avoiding infestation appears to be good housekeeping. Keeping the home free of food sources seems to assist in all forms of pest prevention. The methods of eliminating carpet beetles involves chemicals that can be applied. Moth balls and other treatments appear to keep moths at bay. Cedar wood linings for drawers and chests appears to only mask the aroma’s of desirable clothing / food sources which must contain some animal fibers or residues of humans / animals. I recently met a couple that had a severe infestation of carpet beetles and was told by the pest control company that they could not apply any more chemicals as they would be exceeding their legal limit. Now knowing what I know I would have referred them to this article and suggested that they thoroughly search both the home and crawlspace for potential food sources. The home they were buying and that I was inspecting had NO carpet.
Termite Report
Some areas of the garage were not readily assessable for inspection for personal items.
The following conditions just did at the time of the inspection.
1 - Exterior siding was in contact with the soil.
2 - The garage framing was in direct contact with soil.
This had created a condition for moisture intrusion and termite infestation of the garage exterior and frame. There was evidence of termites infestation at the rear wall of the garage.
Recommendation: have a licensed pest management company perform any necessary treatment for termites in the garage and the house.
WDO. Articles
Pesticides
Termites (Consumer targeted)
The use and storage of consumer available pesticides should be strongly considered when a home owner is attempting to control insect infestations in there home. Every pesticide manufactured has safety information regarding the use and storage of these products which should be reviewed by the home owner before they use any pesticide on their property. If improperly used, consumer pesticides may cause adverse reactions in people who come in contact with these chemicals.
In an attempt to save some money home owners maybe tempted to treat a termite infestation with some consumer pesticides. These products will not be an effective
treatment for the control of termites.
When any insect infestation is identified during an inspection always recommend that any treatment be performed by a licensed pest management technicians.
For more information regarding pesticides and termites please visit
Pesticides https://www.nachi.org/pesticides.htm
Termites. https://www.nachi.org/termites.htm
I preformed a inspection. It is hard to see from the picture but pest activity was present. It appeared to be a family of squirrels. They have since been evicted.
The ability of pest to find ways of entry into a home are numerous. The most critical are to check is were soil meets wood is what I have taken from the course. Other areas are important but the focus on wood meeting soil is critical.
I performed a visual inspection looking for insect infestation. The home is built upon a monolithic slab on ground foundation with no visual signs of cracking or faults detected. The homeowner claims the 1st 3 courses of concrete block are filled in with a mortar. I did a tap test with a small hammer around the entire perimeter and deemed the base of the walls were solid. There was no evidence of discarded swarmer wings, frass, excavated wood, exit holes or wood decay. I would deem the home is not infested, but would strongly advise the shrubbery and trees be cut back or removed to eliminate contact and or overhang over the home’s roof and structure. Also, the electric service line runs through two trees prior to reaching drop service into home; this needs to be closely monitored as it is a vessel for insects and vermin to gain acces to the structure.
Doyle Cline