Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Wood boring beetles can be of great economic concern for homes and buildings constructed with the use of wood materials. Prevention of infestation in the first place is the best defense against this. Some steps that can be taken in this effort include: inspecting wood prior to purchase/use; using properly kiln or air dried wood; sealing all wood surfaces; the use of chemically treated wood and ensuring that sound building designs are utilized.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Drones: The use of drones has expanded into the home and commercial inspection industry. Drones can be an invaluable tool as an additional aide when inspecting difficult or unsafe roofing surfaces, tall chimneys, structural details (windows, siding, veneer, eaves, etc…) of taller building structures that may be difficult or unsafe to gain close access to otherwise. However, the use of a drone for commercial purposes now requires an operator/owner to register their drone with the FAA and to receive their (RPC) Remote Pilot Certificate by studying the appropriate FAA provided materials and passing the (IAKT) Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test. In addition, every two years to follow, the (RAKT) Recurrent Aeronautical Knowledge Test must be completed to maintain the certification/licensing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This home has a lot of trees that overhang the roof. This could be a issue for insect infestation and excessive moisture collecting on the roof from debris. The owner should have the trees cut back away from the structure and be sure to maintain the clearing of leaves and branches that may accumulate on the roof and in the gutters.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Home owners should be very careful to inspect the perimeter, under desks and around the interior of their homes for signs of insect activity. Most home owners are not aware or just may not notice insect activity until they see something crawling along the kitchen floor. This could mean that they have a much larger problem than they realise.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is of a support post in a basement. This is a vulnerable area as it appears to go below the floor slab of the basement which can make it more susceptible to termite intrusion. The insect damage could go unnoticed due to the end of the post being concealed below the surface of the slab and touching the soil beneath. Providing termites with access to food, moisture, and concealment/shelter.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the home located at 12425 nw 2nd avenue. I noticed evidence of wood destroying organisms in the area around the fascia boards and on the exterior trim of the garage door. There was also evidence of frass falling from eaves.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Baiting is an alternative to older barrier treatments in which large amounts of pesticide are applied to the soil underneath and surrounding a building in order to block all potential routes of termite entry. Termite baits employ small amounts of slow-acting poison that is gradually spread among worker termites when they return to the nest to feed one another.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image show various forms of treated lumber, untreated lumber, painted, unpainted lumber (hidden behind self-sheet rock also) just below a attic access point. While there was no visible signs of wood destroying organisms (WDO) present, it doesn’t mean its not there. The access point, while covered, is not properly sealed allowing for migration of WDO from the attic space. Infestation is a long, deliberate and costly process. The potential for damage can take years and years before it is detected. Removal of the lumber, the sealing of the access point and increasing ventilation and insulation will help to reduce moisture content which will help to reduce possible infestation. A annual or bi-annual inspection by a qualified PMP (Pest Management Professional) organization will also help to reduce and eliminate any existing and future problems.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture above is an example of a Termite tube on the outside of a concrete slab. Termites must keep a constant humidity level and stay out of the Sun. This tube gets them from under ground an into the home protected.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The Carpenter Bee is an invasive Wood Destroying Insect. The Bee makes holes in bare wood that are approximately 1/2" circle. Painting the surface of the wood will greatly decrease the chances of having the insect damage the wood member.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Evidence of wood destroying organisms(termite mud tubes) was found at the interior of the garden shed that was adjacent to dwelling. Given it’s proximity to dwelling, further evaluation and treatment by a licensed WDO professional is recommended prior to closing.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The essay that I choose to review was “Termite Baits”. Termite baits, or “bait stations” use small amounts of slow-acting poison that gradually spread among worker termites when they return to the nest to feed one another. Baiting is environmentally friendly compared with soil treatment, which may require the use of pesticide. Baiting will not endanger drinking water in houses that make use of wells.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Termite baits (bait stations, termite traps) are used to eliminate potential infestations of termites. Baits can be used above ground as well as below. The above type will be used where visible termite action is apparent. The below type will contain wood or paper that rots away, exposing termite activity in the area. A PMP will then dispense the necessary pesticide to expedite the removal of the termite. Baiting is less restrictive, faster installation and more environmentally safer. It is more localized and has advantageous use when children and animal are near. The opposite effects of underground baiting traps is length of effectiveness, monetary costs, location and seasonal effects. Excessively strong baiting will actually prevent termites from returning to the bait, because other dead termite will be present. The presences of other types of wood can also hinder the performance of the trap. While a homeowner can attempt to eliminate a termite problem, a qualified professional has the knowledge, resources and experience to prevent and deter future termite infestations.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Wood Decay”
Wood decay fungus falls into three categories. Brown rot, white rot, and dry rot (“Dry Rot” is technically a misnomer due to fungus need for moisture). Robust spores will typically wait until ideal moisture and temperature conditions are reached before germinating. These conditions consist of moisture between 27-30% and temperatures between 77-90 degrees F.
Brown rot consumes the cellulose in wood leaving it brown and “Cubical” in appearance. White rot consumes cellulose and lignin which gives it a whitish look. Dry rot is brownish white in appearance and can attack wood that resists other fungi because it creates a mycelial fan which can conduct water from as far as 25 feet away.
A few of the steps that can be taken to minimize the occurrence of rot are:
-Limiting moisture intrusion at the exterior and interior (plumbing areas, etc.) through proper building and landscaping techniques.
-Proper/adequate ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, attics and crawlspaces.
-Vapor barrier and moisture management in the crawlspace.
-18" between earth and untreated wood and using treated or rot resistant wood in vulnerable locations.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Inspected the crawlspace, while checking the ceil plate I noticed frass piles on the foundation wall.
Upon further inspection it was noted the sink drain line was leaking at the connection to the main line causing excessive moisture in the crawlspace.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Termites,
Spot applications is no way to rid the home of termites, whole house application is the only way to completely irradiate the pest. Once termites have infested your home its best to set up a schedule of annual application to keep the chemical barrier around the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Homeowner requested a WDO inspection of their residence. The structure is approximately 5 years old. An inspection sticker was located in the HVAC closet room located in the garage area. The residence received WDO inspection and treatment during the building process in 2013. Upon inspection of the residence. There was no current evidence of any WDO damage or activity in either the interior of the structure or exterior of the structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In an article entitled, Termite control in the home, it provides the reader with some valuable insight on how to identify WDO damage and what steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of an infestation of occurring. As a WDO certified inspector, you must have a general understanding of what to look for and how to identify if their is a problem. Once identified, the inspector needs to have the ability to properly explain to the homeowner what was found and the steps they should take to begin mitigating the issue and to prevent any future damage to the structure. This article can be utilized as a reference tool to help with the exsplination to the homeowner.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This inspector found no visible evidence of wood destroying organisms around the home, and there are some approximately five linear feet of soffit that appear to have been recently replaced. A full bottle of wood destroying organisms pesticide was found in the garage area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Commonly used ribbed PVC flexible drain pipe is known to accumulate debris more easily than smooth wall pipe and is very likely to clog. It is recommended that a qualified plumber replace flexible piping with standard plumbing components to prevent clogged drains.
