Research & Writing Assignment:
i have chose the topic of carpenter ants i learned carpenter ants travel through trees and brush that is overgrown to get to the structure like a short cut and one good way the repel them is to paint wooden exteriors with an oil based paint for prevention
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture shows the difference between a flying ant and a termite so proper identification can be made. There are a few main difference. The main difference is the wings. The wings of the flying ant are 2 pairs of unequal length and width. The termite wings are 2 pairs but of equal length and width. The second difference is the antennae of each organism. The flying ants antennae are elbowed and the termites are relatively straight. The third difference shown in the picture is the waist. The waist of the flying ant is very narrow and the termites waist is broadly joined.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I choose talks about some things a home owner can do as preventive measures for termites. You want to eliminate all wood to soil contact and use concrete piers for all decking post and use treated wood for all decking. You should have 2 inches between the house and any planter boxes. Another method preventive measure is to seal all cracks and openings in the foundation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During a remodeling project the structural damage in the picture was found. It was old non active termite damage. The termites had actually bridged between studs by eating the paper on the back of the drywall. The area was examined for additional damage and the studs were replaced
Research & Writing Assignment:
During the course we learned about swarming termites and the wings which are equal. I have noticed winged insects in my bathroom before and usually figured they were ants. They had three distinct body parts, but different sized wings I think. I am going to look later today for discarded wings and determine if I can if they are alates or ant wings
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon the WDO inspection, I came upon the attic access area which was inaccessible. The home owner had built closet shelving around the access scuttle hole and blocked then entry point to the attic area. While to scuttle hole was of adequate size, i could not stand the ladder up within the closet to gain entry because of the shelving and current owners storage in that area. Ive made my observations and noted them on the form and also advised client of my findings for the attic access.
Research & Writing Assignment:
From Illustration Gallery Image (cracking-14.jpg) In this illustration I’ve learned the potential for entry point for WDO underground. While this obviously poses a potential structural issue for the home, it also provides an entry point for WDO into the basement area and exposes the structure to infestation. From this vantage point, termites can directly enter and find the way to internal wood that has not been treated and also cause significant damage if not repaired or sealed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Care must be taken to inspect the areas around where a deck and house meet. If there is no barrier, treated decking and/or moisture is present on a regular basis, it may be an area of concern. A moisture meter should be obtained to test for areas of high content. These are the areas an inspector should look at for infestation of unwanted bugs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture Meters - moisture meters can help determine if a material holds enough water to support mold growth, insect infestation as well as to use it as a baseline to compare other areas of the home. It can be used to help determine leaks, inhabitable, or just to determine if wood could be used for construction. It can also be used on drywall and other materials to determine moisture levels on the interior. There are two types, search and pin, each which have advantages and disadvantages. read the specifications to determine which one would suit the inspections in your area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this picture it is evident that the wood is rotting and is in need of immediate repair. Proper care and maintenance of exterior wood is vital to protect against wood rot as well as infestation from wood destroying organisms.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Termite bait stations are one of a few options in controlling termite infestation. They are stationed around the house at known or expected sites of termite activity. They can be effective without having to use a lot of pesticides to kill the colony.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
There is evidence of termite activity and damage in the exterior wall. The damaged wood should be replaced or reinforced to prevent localized wall sag due to lost structural capacity. Additional latent/hidden termite damage can be expected. The property should be treated for WDI infestation by a qualified professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Evidence of carpenter bee damage to the gable wood fascia/trim can be found usually in the form of bore holes. Homes with wood facias/trim should be painted and maintained to reduce the risk of carpenter bee infestation. Left untreated carpenter bees can be expected to continue to damage the wood facia/trim until the facia/trim will need to be replaced.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Any openings should be chalked and sealed to prevent any infestation of pesticides. Especially around vents, pipes or ductwork on the exterior side of the home. Any areas where moisture can accumulate should be repaired immediately to prevent mold instrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A pick test van be utilized to determine if there is any decay present in the wood structure being examined. By using an ice pick or screwdriver along the grain to pull out a splinter. If the wood is decayed short pieces will be able to come out otherwise a long splinter will come apart.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The property inspected was over 50 years old and displayed numerous locations of damaged wood members due years of moisture intrusion. After further probing and evaluating, the determination was the wood siding had approximately 10 coats of paint, hence in lieu of collapse, the paint may have been what was keeping the material in place…? The new owners were planning on installing new siding.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Too often, sometimes when a deck is added to a home, there needs to be adequate clearance from soils with regard to wooden support members. At times people think that as long as the wood is treated, it’s guaranteed not to attract any insects. This is far from the truth. Termites, as well as carpenter ants, among others, will find access into the support members, and without proper clearances, will easily infest it, then by the time they’re discovered, the damage is done.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The grading on my home is to high. It should be at least 6 inches below the bottom of the siding. This is a situation where it maybe difficult to identify any subterranean activity. Also, easy access by Carpenter Ants
Research & Writing Assignment:
Damp crawls spaces and be an environment for WDO’s as the moisture content is favorable for subterranean termites and other organisms that thrive in moisture laden areas. It is best to insure proper ventilation and installation of a moisture barrier.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Eastern subterranean termites are probably the most common in NY state where I live. These insects need constant contact with moist ground to grow their colony. They use termite tubes made from a mixture of their saliva and cellulose / wood pulp. These tubes allow termites to travel away from the nest and extend from the ground into trees and homes while still having access to moisture.
