In the scheme of things of buying or selling a home, a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection might seem like the least of your worries. But these small and often silent bugs can create havoc within your home’s exterior walls, windows, ceilings, and home’s foundation. The National Pest Management Association estimates that termite damage costs $5 billion annually!
If your home is fifty years or older, a WDI is imperative because wood during those construction times was not kiln dried or treated to deter these types of insects.
What are Wood Destroying Insects?
Typically, they are:
Termites
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Bees
Wood Boring Beetles or
Powder Post Beetles
These bugs typically enter the home by accident, looking for a source of food or shelter.
The Inspection Process
An Ohio home inspector who holds a WDI inspector license will assess all accessible parts of your home for WDIs. They will carefully look for damage from insects and places where live and dead insects might be located. This often includes the home’s crawlspace, attic, and exterior. In addition, water accumulation around the foundation or overgrown vegetation against the house are attractive elements to WDIs.
If the inspector finds signs of infestation, the WDI report will tell you exactly where the problem is, including photos of wood damage and/or the insects themselves. A trained professional can often catch the situation in the early stages to prevent more damage.
It is recommended that you be present during this inspection so if a pest control company needs to be called, you know exactly where the problem area or areas are located.
One of Our Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
Here is a recent picture of an inspection where we found evidence of carpenter bees (under the railing).
Let Integrity Home Evaluation Services Help You
A WDI inspection can save you money and time. So if you are considering selling your home or buying one, schedule your inspection today! We are in Streetsboro, Ohio, and welcome all inspection requests in the area.