Ants are a complex insect with social aspects that have nothing but survival as their intent. Careful and thorough techniques must be used in identifying an ant infestation during a home inspection. The ant can be identified as having elbowed antennae, slim waists, and larger wings over smaller from their mid-section or thorax; opposed to a termite that would have straight antennae, thicker waists, and equal sized wings. The carpenter ant is the species that will cause damage to wood structures, especially moist wood. Ants do not eat wood they discard it from elaborate tunneling and nesting areas through exit holes.
Homeowners should be careful in keeping moisture away from their home, limiting watering of plants and other foliage close to the home, and by keeping an ants food source eliminated or at a minimum around the home.
The damage carpenter ants can make on a home is very expensive to repair…both the insect treatment and the structure repairs.
Cockroaches are one of the most encountered insects that we all agree are disgusting. They feed on any food, debri and don’t like light but will brave any environmental condition. Cockroaches will also eat clothes, wood, cardboard and paper. There are many species but the 3 most common in the U.S. are the American, German and Oriental cockroach.
Keeping a home clean and moisture free, along with insecticides and a sealed barrier envelope within your home, can eliminate cockroach infestations.
The attached picture is from a practice inspection I recently completed. There are two areas of interest regarding WDO inspection that I observe in this photograph.
The shrubbery is growing against the structure which not only can promote moisture penetration of the siding, but also gives a direct path to WDOs (like carpenter ants) to attack the wood.
The soil grade is very close to the bottom of the siding. Per our instruction, there should be a six inch minimum clearance, but this does not meet that specification.
This was an informative article regarding the inspection of wood siding. With wood being a relatively expensive product for siding, and also vulnerable to decay and direct attack by termites, it seems that one of the alternative products would be a better choice in new construction. The article summarizes that moisture penetration is the critical enemy, and notes the most common areas for an inspector to closely observe (corners, wood near/below grade, roof/gutter leaks, etc…).
Library Article 2 - Wood Decay
This article describes different types of wood decay and rot. I found it interesting that “dry” rot really wasn’t dry at all when the rotting/decay occurred. The list of common places to inspect for wood decay is helpful, and also the list of rot resistant wood types should come in handy. All in all, a great reminder that moisture is the enemy and we (as inspectors) should be vigilant in observing any areas where moisture penetration and/or leaks may be present.
In the attached picture, you can see a fungus growth on a piece of roof deck planking. This was taken 2 weeks ago in the attic of an inspection that I was performing. There were 2 separate spots of this within a few feet of each other. The fungus growth no longer appears to be active. This was the first painfully obvious fungus growth that I have run into, and it was a great learning experience.
The Educational credits page asks if I hold a license in one of the listed states, and it includes Florida in the list. I click yes, and when I use the dropdown to select Florida, it is not in the list.
On this inspection there is evidence of a decaying fence attached to the structure that is showing signs of carpenter ant damage. No activity was present during inspection but this may be and area cause for concern in the spring and should be monitored as the fence panel is secured directly to the house structure.
Articles
Ant Inspection - There are a great deal of ants found in all areas of North America. Common ones like the carpenter ant tend to infest damp wood. Its a common misconception that they eat the wood, in fact they burrow it out with ease as it in already saturated and pliable to excavate. Quite often there can be more than one nest in a close 100’ proximity. smaller satellite nests may sometimes exist so be aware of other areas of wet decaying wood.
Wood Decay - a good article to learn more details about dry rot. I have come across this on many occasions.
ljaworowski
(Leon Jaworowski, PE, LEED, AP - NY License No. 56625)
289
In keeping with the subject of the Wood Destroying Organisms course, I read two articles as required. One article dealt with termite baiting stations and the other with inspecting wood siding.
The termite baiting stations are encountered on Long Island. Unfortunately, the climate here in the warm season provides an environment that encourages the development of termite colonies. As an inspector, whenever I see the baiting stations, it usually evokes a sense to pay particular attention to the structural elements contained in the crawlspaces, both finished and unfinished basements and the wood flooring components within the structure. The article also provided information on just how slow the baiting process takes to develop actual elimination of an infested area around a home.
The second article dealt with inspecting wood siding which is typically experienced on Long Island where the housing stock is very aged. It provided some insights into the various types of siding that can be encountered along with the location of where typical wood siding problems can be found (i.e. at various joining corners, where siding edges are partially buried below grade, and where excess moisture may be found due to various drainage issues on the exterior of a home). Additionally, it provided information on the types of degradation that comes along with wood siding that has not been properly maintained.
ljaworowski
(Leon Jaworowski, PE, LEED, AP - NY License No. 56625)
290
The attached photo is a picture of the exterior section of the main beam of my home. It shows some of the non-structural termite damage done to the face of the double 2X8 main beam of my home.
As it has been conveyed to me by the pest management firm used by the previous homeowner, the house was treated over 30 years ago for an infestation of termites with a typical barrier perimeter treatment. In order to maintain the guarantee that came with the initial treatment, the firm inspects my home every year during the end of the summer season.
Based on my inspection of the exterior of my home, they drilled holes through the concrete slab that supports my back enclosed porch. Additionally, the remaining perimeter around the home must have been treated with an extended tube as the house has a full finished basement.
I have been fortunate enough not to have had a re-infestation of the home for the past 30 years that I have lived there.
The images provided show an indication of mud tubes on a monolithic stem wall. The mud tubes extend upwards towards the weep screed. No indications of live infestation of subterranean termites. Soil grade did not slope away from structure.
This section of termite damaged banding joist was located beneath an uncovered front door landing -at door threshold. The seal between the concrete landing and wooden door frame trim had failed -allowing water penetration into the Crawlspace which damaged areas of sub-floor and floor joists. High moisture content areas are likely to attract termites, carpenter ants and promote damaging microbial activity. At the time of the inspection the leaks had been sealed and area was relatively dry -no insects or termite tubes were visible which leads me to suspect that this may not be an active infestation site.
this is a picture of the exterior front door frame. Lower left side as you enter the house. it appears to be very dry and cracked, however there is no sign of discoloration due to mold or fungus. and no signs of termite damage or carpenter ant damage. a coat of paint is recommended to keep carpenter bees from burrowing and nesting in this area.
Wood decaying fungi (and other saprophitic organisms) need water, oxygen, food and a temperature between 77 and 90 degrees to remain active. Common types are: 1)Brown Rot, 2)White Rot and 3)Dry Rot -which is a misnomer since rot cannot function without moisture. Termites, Carpenter Ants and other wood destroying insects are also attracted to areas of high moisture content -so it should be no surprise that both are often found in areas of damage.
i have chosen Garbage Disposals for Inspectors as one of my reading and writing assignments. This past week I was called to an elderly lady’s residence for her garbage disposal. She had a handyman a couple of months ago that did odd jobs for her. She went to use it a week ago and the disposal wouldn’t work. Below is what I found in need of attention. Garbage disposals are a necessary addition to overly developed areas. Disposal units help with maintaining the biodegradable materials in landfills.
The second article for my reading and writing assignment I’ve chosen Inspecting a Deck, Illustrated.
Decks are a common failure mostly from several installation mistakes. Majority of deck collapse is improper attachment to the main structure. Another common problem is undersized or over spanned framing. Hot tubs on decks many times are not planned for when full they can potentially overload of the framing. Below is a photo of a deck with improper flashing beside a door that has just been replaced. To make matters worse the gutter above was full of debris. I recommended that they have the gutters cleaned and the deck flashed and repaired by a qualified contractor.
In the picture above we can observe the fact that the oak tree branch is touching the roof. There is a good chance that carpenter ants will climb over in the tree and make their way on the roof and into the structure potentially causing damages after establishing a new colony. Recommend trimming the branch and other trees/ shrubs away from house in such way that they don’t touch any part of the house.
Interesting article that talks about the importance and dangers of termite infestations when Insulating Concrete Forms are used during the construction of a house. Inspectors in certain states have it easy, since officials have decided to ban the use of ICFs in general in those states. Other inspectors need to be aware of the problem and pay particular attention to what and where they are looking when inspecting for termites in relation to houses who have ICFs used in their construction.
Termite Baits
by Nick Gromicko
Article that talks about what these baits are, what are they made of, the principles they work on, the advantages and disadvantages of using them and ideas on how the inspectors should treat their presence and how to report on them. Of note is the fact that these are an alternative to the older “barrier” treatments for termites and they are a long term device that needs supervision from a trained and licensed person. When found in field inspectors should not disturb them or attempt to open them.
The photo above was taken during an inspection of a 100 year old home. One side of the home rests on the ground. The inspector made a mental note to double check the floor structure for moisture damage or wood destroying pest in this area during the crawlspace inspection. Once the inspector entered the crawlspace, he realized the area he really needed to inspect was inaccessible. The floor joists in the crawlspace area were too close to the ground or on the ground. He managed to crawl between floor joists to get back to areas were mud/shelter tubs were located on floor joists. He advised the customer of the inaccessible area in the crawlspace and suggest further evaluation was needed by a licensed pest inspector.
Ants are a social insect that lives in colonies divided into three castes, queens, males, and workers. Ants unlike termites will not consume wood just tunnel through it. Ants like moist wood and can be found around areas dampened by water leaks. Wood damaged by carpenter ants may not be visible. Tapping on wood surfaces and listening for hollow sounds may indicate ant infestation. The article also states how to inspect for clues when looking for ant infestation and how to reduce the ant problems in a home.
