How do i move forward with course, it will not let me? Seems to be stuck at essay which i already sent a week ago.
Start from the beginning at http://education.nachi.org/show.php?course_id=52&element_id=7156
Then use the navigation menu within the course to move through the course.
During a home inspection I took this photo. It appeared to be damage from a wood destroying insect. I recommended further review by a qualified wood destroying insect and pest inspector.
I read the article called ICF Inspection and Termites. Insulating concrete forms are rigid, plastic foam forms that hold foundation and structural concrete in place while it cures, and they stay in place afterward to provide insulation. Subterranean termites will tunnel through the insulation to get to food (wood) undetected. Some states have restricted the use of ICFs because of this.
Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard explain in their article “Inspecting Log Homes” how to detect wood-destroying insects based on some clue as to their presence. The size, shape and condition of entry and exit holes can indicate what species of insects are likely to be living in the logs. Both termites and carpenter ants grow wings and swarm to new locations every so often. When they arrive at their destination, they shed their wings and burrow into the wood. Wing piles are a sign that you shouldn’t miss. You may also see dead insects on window sills inside the home if the swarm originates inside the home.
Hi everyone just completing WDO course,
Read two articles:
Woodpecker Damage Prevention and Inspection
Interesting. I learned several ways to identify and help homeowners keep them away. I didn’t know that paint vs stain, paint will keep them away more than stain. We get them at our home but they sit on top of the chimney chase and peck at the metal making a noise that wakes up the neighborhood.
Termite Control in the Home
Termites are the most damaging insect to homes. The idea of using pressure treated wood on the entire first floor is very expensive. There are many mitigation methods. First you need to identify their location and find the least invasive way to get ride of them.
During my most recent home inspection I found conditions that are perfect for WDO infestations. In the attached pic you will notice that the support for the deck (all of them actually) is in direct contact with the ground. From what I could tell there is no moisture out WDO damage yet, but if it’s not corrected it will happen before you realize. I notified the prospective buyer of the issue and recommended that it be corrected before any further damage was done.
WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISMS
Attached is an image of a main floor joist taken from the basement of a building. During the inspection accessible framing and foundation was inspected for infestation of wood destroying organisms and no signs of present or past infestation was visible. It is important for the homeowner to be alert for infestations and do periodic visual inspections where the foundation or framing, or exterior wood finishes are visible without the need for dismantlement. If wood destroying organisms or signs of wood destroying organisms are found, it is recommended that the owner contact and acquire the professional advice of a qualified person or company.
WOOD DECAY & TERMITE BAITS
Wood decay, sometimes refereed to as wood rot, is the decomposing of wood.
Wood will often decompose due to excessive levels of moisture and the infestation of wood destroying organisms and fungi. Fungi feed on the wood (particularly cellulose and lignin). To prevent decay, there are practices that may be followed. Selecting the heartwood of decay-resistant species, using wood preservatives, using proper grading to prevent excessive moisture, reducing and managing the interior humidity. Decay is most likely to exist in exterior wood products due to the easy access to it by the fungi, and the exposure to precipitation and other forms of moisture.
Termites are wood destroying organisms which feed on the wood. Termites are not present everywhere, however infestations may be difficult to control and eliminate. Termite baits are available for purchase and consist of a canister bait that can be properly installed by a homeowner. However, the effectiveness of the baits may not always be as desired and it may even take several months for the bait to be found and for it to take effect.
Here is a picture of a couple openings found on the bottom of the deck joist. These openings are consistent with carpenter bee activity. No bees were seen
due to the fact the outside temperature has been cold. Recommend further evaluation when weather warms up and bees become more active.
Hello Everyone,
I did my required reading for this course with the two following articles: Woodpecker Damage Prevention and Termite baits. Let’s first talk about woodpeckers. These pesky critters can cause damage to exteriors of homes. The damage they leave behind can be conducive for WDO to enter the structure as well as cause other damage that should be fixed. Now onto termite baits. These are usually placed into the ground by a professional as either a supplement to a treatment plan being used or as a plan in it self. These are usually a slow acting way of treating for termites but usually the most environmentally friendly way of treatment
Thank You,
While studying WDO course my daughter became interested.
She was very upset by the idea that carpenter bees might be killed by the exterminator. She wanted to learn more because she knew that bees are important pollinators. With my guidance she wrote an article for our blog.
See it here: http://www.homeinspectionsolutions-mt.com/home-owners-blog/carpenter-bees-important-pollinators-by-miss-sparrow
This is from a recent inspection I did for a friend. The vegetation is growing against the foundation which acts as a pathway for WDOs (As well as other problems). I recommended that all vegetation should be trimmed at least 12 inches away from all house structures/components.
The arrivals I read were on “Ant Inspection” and “ICF Inspection and Termites”
The Ant Inspection article was a good refresher on the key differences between ants and termites. One of the differences is, ants have a thin waist and a termites body is broad. Another difference is the antenna, ants have an elbowed antenna and termites have straight antenna. Anther difference written about is the wings, if you find them with wings ants have 2 pairs of unmatched wings, termites also have 2 pairs but their wings are the same size and shape. These are just a few of the many differences mentioned in the article.
Next I read the IFC Inspection and Termites article. This article was very interesting, I have seen this product many times in new construction but have not been able to see it up close. This article makes it very clear how ICF’s can be a problem when it comes to termite infestations and inspections. Although the foam insulation is not a good source of does give termites plenty of protection and an easy product to tunnel through in order to reach their food source. These two factors are also major reasons ICF’s are an issue for lots of inspectors. This headache can be prevented/lessened of current termite prevention techniques are properly followed. Some of them listed on the article are; chemical treating the soil and termite shields placed on the foundation. If an infestation of found basis and taped can be used to mitigate the termites so that proper termite prevention can be put on place.
The uploaded image is of a baited termite monitoring station. Stations are placed every 10 foot all the way around the home. The owner said the professional company they use comes every 3 months to check them. There was an infestation in the home due to a leaky roof system which was replaced. There was one spot in the attic which had repairs and drilled ports along the foundation in the brick veneer every foot or so which had been plugged on about 40% of the home and the treatment seemed to go 20% in each direction from the repairs in the attic. They reported no other known infestation and that the program they were under was transferable to the new owner if they wished to continue the service.
Wood Decay
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
I have a friend who owns a home built in 1924 with a crawl space. I asked if I could shoot his crawl space to see what I could see and get some time in the dirt and didn’t get too far before I found some stuff. Took a few pics of what I felt was WDO ( white fungi and termite) and more cockroaches than I think he wanted. Crawled the entire thing as if it was a paid inspection plumbing was in good shape. When I came out and told him in a calm relaxing manor he should get a licensed professional out because he may have some WDO activity. I also recommended a vapor barrier be installed and/or that he increased the ventilation. It was lacking in the recommended 1 foot of venting for 150
square foot.
How to Clean Algae and Moss Off Asphalt Shingles
Good advice for any home owner. If you have the budget you can find others to do this for you but it shouldn’t be left without attention if you care about your home. News flash mossy green is not a shingle color choice at install. Many people also seem to let the debris that gets trapped in cretin roof ares just stay and think it is okay or think wind brought it in let wind take it out. Only thing I know is it is a moisture trap and causes premature aging of the roofing materials under it. Almost ever roof I see and I tend to look at many of them if I’m riding in a car now days seems to just not get the attention the should.
Hello from Florida. Just starting Wood-Destroying Organism course. Thanks
