Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to write about the consumer targeted article titled “Termite Control in the Home.” Some common signs that termites may be present are swarming of termites that have long even sized wings that extend past the abdomen, presences of wings themselves after swarming, presences of sawdust-like droppings, mud tubes used for travelling from the ground to the home,or damaged wood members like window sills.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attic scuttle hole pictured has been sealed shut with a heavy application of caulking and requires tools other than a screwdriver or wrench. Much like an electrical panel which has been repeatedly caulked and/or painted it is likely that damage will occur to (in this case) the ceiling or the trim around the access door if an attempt is made to break the seal buy cutting or slicing with a blade. However given that this is the only visible access to the attic space in the home, requesting information from the owner as to whether or not this is a viable access or if it has been sealed due to a previous alteration or remodel is in order. Depending on the information provided, a subsequent request for permission from the owner to attempt access may be made, along with disclosure of the potential cosmetic damage which may occur.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article on Pesticides was found to be quite informative with respect to the concept of drift in the use of various common products. The idea that individuals of a mile away from the source of a pesticide treatment could be affected by unintended exposure to the product to the point of hospitalization is quite eye-opening.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is a floor joist that is sitting on foundation wall made up of brick, stone and mortar in a house that is approximately 60 years old. The joist was infested with termites due to the appearance of the fecal matter in the galleries.It appears that the wood has been treated in the past because I saw no evidence of existing termites but I will return to reinspect.
Research & Writing Assignment:
We found a WDO in the basement on the floor believed to be a beetle but could not determine the type of beetle. It was black and oval shaped and found dust particles on the floora dn wall near the area that the WDO was found. Further investigation will be done in the floor joists and exterior wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Termites are fast working and social insects that, if not caught in time, can cause an indescribable amount of damage to a home and its wooden structure/foundation. If any visible signs of WDOs, and professional exterminator should be called to access the situation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Termites are fast working and social insects that, if not caught in time, can cause an indescribable amount of damage to a home and its wooden structure/foundation. If any visible signs of WDOs, and professional exterminator should be called to access the situation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Insulation falling down in the crawlspace, this is typically caused by excessive moisture. The insulation gets heavy, tears, and falls down. The insulation was also installed with the vapor barrier down, this can trap moisture against the floor structure, causing damage to the structure and mold growth. There was some microbial substance observed. The remaining insulation restricts the ability to completely inspect the floor structure. Recommend having all insulation removed from the floor structure and crawl space, and having the crawl space area re-inspected.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The subject of this essay is Wood Decay
Wood destroying insects do not cause wood decay, however they are attracted to decaying wood.
Types of fungi are brown rot, white rot, and dry rot. Dry rot is decayed wood that has dried, moisture is needed to rot wood.
A pick test can be performed to identify rotted wood.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows form boards present around a pier pad in the crawlspace of a home. The Wood is in contact with the ground which is a conducive condition for wood destroying organisms. The biggest concerns would be related to wood rot and termite activity.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The illustration I choose was areas related to basement termite entry. These include areas around posts, perimeter foundation joints, expansion joints and any earth to soil contact. It is also advised to ensure there is a proper vapor barrier between and wood to concrete areas as these are prone to capillary moisture intrusion and can lead to rot.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When termites swarm, they generally emerge in the daylight hours in the spring months. During their short flight from the old colony, the winged termites will pair up and begin looking for a place to begin a new colony.
After landing, the termite’s wings fall off. If you find these wings, you’re most likely near a structure that has termite infestation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Fumigation is an effective way to control pests, especially termites, that have made their way into deep corners of your home that cant be reached any other way. The exterminator floods the structure with poison gas that kills all the termites or other pests. The gas, known as a fumigant, even penetrates wood timbers where termites hide. It leave no residue so it is possible that another infestation could form in the future.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a home, sometimes a crawlspace may not have an access door. For example, Skirting around a modular home. Although one
May say that it is unaccessible, it would benefit you to try and inspect underneath because you can find a significant amount of information from it. Structure, plumbing,water damage,pests etc.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of several termite “swarm” or “castle” tubes. The purpose of these tubes is to serve as a launching point to swarmer termites or alates. The tubes also serve as a moisture maintainer to the colony that is usually found inside the galleries made into the wood.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to write my essay on “Termite Baits”. Upon reading this article, it reinforced the knowledge I gained within the course itself. I learned the pros and cons to baits, and how the use of baits is usually much slower to accomplish the destruction of the colony.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon inspection at 0000 Burrow Ave It was noted the exterior perimeter has Styrofoam Insulation around it. Comments were made in regards to how treatment would not be as effective with this material in place because entry points would be in between the foundation and material.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Termite Baits, termite baits are an effective method to kill colonies. The bait is slow acting but does travel through to the colony. Bait stations can be installed on the surface or subsurface. Optimum placement would be around termite tubes or other none sites.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When examining the bargeboard of this townhome, numerous galleries were apparent. Based on the size and direction of the galleries, the damage seems to be the result of a carpenter bee infestation. Many of the townhomes in this neighborhood displayed the same damage, improper building techniques were used.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The necessary clearance of wood from the soil is instrumental in preventing Wood Destroying Organisms from entering a structure. By ensuring wood does not come into contact with soil, thus keeping it away from moisture, WDOs find the wood less attractive as either a food source or habitat for colonization.
