Insects Invasions
Termite Inspection
Sometimes called “termite inspections”, this specialized inspection looks for damage caused by any type of insect, primarily termites that feed on, and nest in, the wood that supports your home’s frame, porch, patio, flooring, ceiling, and other places. Of course, not all wood-destroying insects are termites. Ants, bees and beetles, and various larvae are also known for making a buffet of your home’s wooden elements and thereby compromising the soundness and integrity of your home’s ability to support itself. The damage caused by wood-destroying insects can certainly lead to the sharp devaluation of your property’s value as well as increasing the danger for occupants.
WDI inspection looks for evidence of infestation by termites (both subterranean and dry wood types), wood decay, wood-devouring beetles, as well as evidence of past infestations, damage to wood, etc. A WDI report is commonly called a “Termite Inspection”.
- Termite Facts:
- There are over 2000 species of termites in the world, approximately 45 in the US.
- Termites are social insects that live in colonies, termites are organized into different social classes based on their roles and responsibilities.
- The termite caste system has three levels: reproductive, worker and soldier.
- Termites build the largest nests of any insect.
- Termites cannot “eat” wood. Termites require the help of single-cell organisms in their guts to digest cellulose (wood).
- Found in every U.S. state except Alaska
It is often difficult to determine the difference between termites and ants. Termites have two pairs of wings (front and back) and are of almost equal length.
Insects Invasions
Flying Ants
Ants also have two pair of wings, but the fore wings are much larger than the hind wings. Also, termites have relatively straight antennae while ants have elbowed antennae.
- Ant Facts:
- Ants generally do not swarm at the same time as termites, but it can happen
- Termites have a thick waist and ants have a narrow waist
- Termites have straight antennae and ants have elbowed antennae
- Termites have four wings that are all equal in length
- Ants have four wings, however, two are larger and two are smaller
Regular Termite Inspections is a Necessity
Termites surely can cause a lot of destruction. Yes, these little creatures are highly destructive in nature. They are often hidden behind walls and may not be easily seen. Only after some serious destruction is caused by these animals that most of the homeowners realize about the termite attack.
In the U.S., subterranean termites cause more damage than dry wood and damp wood termites. Formosan termites, a species of subterranean termite, are responsible for the greatest amount of damage in the U.S
Leave them untreated, and expensive structural damage can occur.
There are a whole lot of homeowners who still hesitate a little before calling for pest control experts. After all, cost involvement is surely a significant factor to consider. What they fail to realize is that the destruction caused by pests can lead to higher expenses. So, it’s better to invest at an earlier stage to get rid of termites. If left for a long, then the cost will be much more severe.
Ocelli Pest Services are specialists available for carrying out the termite inspection process. They will check every corner of the client’s house to locate the growth of molds and termites. Any sign of termite infestation and they will start taking immediate action. However, they will first inform the client regarding the issue. They will submit a detailed work procedure and complete expenses report. If the client gives an affirmative nod, then they will proceed with their PEST CONTROL process.
Frequently Asked Question
The first thing you need to know is that any structure containing wood or cellulose material provides a natural food source for subterranean termites. Even structures that are mostly steel and concrete are vulnerable to termite attack. The following list will provide some general conditions conducive to termite infestation: (1) earth-wood contact; (2) firewood stacked against foundation; (3) wood debris in crawl space; (4) wood mulch [within 3 ft. of the foundation]; (5) faulty grade; (6) insufficient ventilation; or (7) moisture.
A licensed person will conduct a careful inspection to determine the presence or absence of visible evidence of infestation from wood-destroying insects. The inspection will be made in those areas which are readily accessible and where the infestation is most likely to occur. No inspection is made in areas that require the breaking apart or dismantling/removal of any objects. Therefore, it is not a warranty as to the absence of wood-destroying insects. It is not a structural damage report. A wood-destroying insect inspector is not ordinarily a construction or building trade expert and is not expected to possess any special qualifications that enable him to detect the extent of structural damage. Evidence of wood-destroying insects is noted in the report.
Because a pest control operator has a trained eye and knows what to look for, his examination will be brief but thorough. He will identify evidence of any previous treatments or infestations, any wood-destroying insects present and the damage they have caused, and any structural conditions that may make your home especially vulnerable to attack.
Nationwide, termites cause over a billion dollars in damage annually-more than all tornadoes, hurricanes, and windstorms combined. Because they nibble away slowly from the inside, damage can be very extensive before it’s noticed. It’s not unusual for a termite to feast on a building throughout a life span of 15 years-and the queen can live and produce eggs for up to 50 years. Undetected and untreated, termites can severely damage and, in time, destroy a home.
Termites have been found in buildings as early as four days after construction. Every building fabricated wholly or partly of wood is susceptible. Chemical or mechanical barriers can be established in the construction stage to prevent or discourage termite infestations in new homes.
Not necessarily. Termites work from the inside out and are very often hard to detect. Especially dry wood termites that have no link to the outside and spend their entire lives indoors-in walls, on roofs, etc. The only way you can be sure you’re not sharing your home with termites is to have it inspected by a professional pest control operator.
