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What are pests? Any organism that can damage or destroy the wood of your home. A pest inspection can be more accurately referred to as a wood destroying organisms inspection or a WDO inspection.
Wood destroying organisms include insects such as termites and carpenter ants, but also other organisms like wood rot. We do not inspect for mice and bats, or other such rodents. Although mice and bats may indeed be pests, they do not generally constitute a threat to the wood or the structure of a home. If you need advice on how to deal with rodents we recommend that you contact a local exterminator or pest control company.
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Our pest inspections include a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of the home. Our pest inspections will not only point out the presence of wood destroying organisms, but will also inform you of conditions which may be conducive to the presence of wood destroying organisms.
As a homeowner it is important to keep the wood, and other construction materials, of your home free of moisture. You may have heard the old addage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That may be especially true when it comes to the wood of your home. Wood exposed to the elements, such as: siding, trim, decks, gazebos, etc. should be maintained and painted or protected with the appropriate sealant. When the necessary amount of moisture and oxygen are present, rot can attack the cell walls of the wood and weeken it. When wood begins to rot it also becomes attractive for wood destroying insects.
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Here are some tips to help you keep your home protected from wood destroying organisms:
1 - Maintain a 4"-6" clearance between the bottom edge of siding and the soil around your home. Low clearance to the soil allows easy access to your home for insects, and soil contains moisture that can lead to wood rot if in contact with the siding on your home.
2 - Keep firewood away from your home. Firewood that you bring to your home may already be infested with termites or other wood destroying insects. Stacking it next to your home provides easy access.
3 - Regularly check the water lines in your home for leaks and have any leaks repaired. This will keep moisture from the wood and prevent rot.
4 - Check your siding annually and make sure it is sealed properly. Seal around service pipes, windows and at the edges of the siding. This will help keep moisture out.
5 - Keep shrubs, vines and trees cut back from your siding. Plants contain moisture that can be absorbed by the siding on your home when in constant contact. This can lead to wood rot.
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Pest Facts
• Entomologists have identified over 26,000 species of termites. 55 of these species live in the Unites States, but homeowners typically have to worry about only 2 - Drywood & Subterranean termites.
• Although termites are much more common in the south where it is warmer. Subterranean termites can be found in South Dakota. |
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• Ants have been on the Earth for more than 100 million years. They can be found almost anywhere on the planet. There are an estimated 20,000 different species of ants. Ants have been called the world's most successful species.
• Termites cause more damage than tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
• Wood rot is a fungus and needs 3 things for it survive: Food (wood), water, and oxygen.
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Pest Inspections
