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Steve Marciniak WIN Cedar Rapids

Wood Destroying Insects (WDI) Inspection ("Pest" Inspection)

Wood Destroying Insects (also called "WDIs") can wreak havoc on a home's structure with no obvious visible signs. A WIN Home Inspection Cedar Rapids Wood Destroying Insect (Termite) inspection can be performed during your home inspection or as a stand-alone service.  A Wood Destroying Inspection/Termite inspection is a non-invasive, visual inspection meaning that wall/floor/ceiling coverings, insulation, furniture, stored items, shelving, etc. are not moved or disturbed.  As part of a Wood Destroying Insect inspection, the inspector is looking for signs of past or current Wood Destroying Insect infestation, such as shelter tubes, bore/exit holes, frass, as well as any visibly accessible damage left behind by a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) infestation.

        

What is a Wood Destroying Insect?

Wood Destroying Insects (WDIs) are specifically defined by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) as: Termites, Carpenter Ants, Carpenter Bees, and Wood Destroying (Infesting) Beetles.  We provide our findings using state and other standards. The completed report will include recommendations regarding whether treatment is warranted based upon what is visible and accessible during our Wood Destroying Insect inspection.  For more information about Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspections, please contact us.

Some basic things that any home owner can do to help prevent WDI infestation or damage to their home includes:

  1. Keeping gutters clean and making sure that all downspouts and sump pump drains discharge at least 4' from homes, decks, and porches.  WDIs are often attracted to water accumulation and rotted wood.
  2. Ensuring that the grading around your home pitches away from the structure.
  3. Ensuring there is no contact between siding includes (vinyl, wood, and cement siding) or wood trim materials and grade (includes dirt and mulch).  At least a 4" gap should exist between siding/trim materials and grade.  The home's foundation material should be readily visible around the home's perimeter.
  4. Keeping vegetation (trees and bushes) trimmed well away from the home.  At least 24" is best at siding/trim and at least 5' from roofs.  Also, vegetation should not grow up your home or a trellis adjacent to your home.  Vegetation can provide a direct path between the ground and your home for insects to traverse.

Fungal rot, fungus, and mold/mildew are not wood destroying insects (WDIs), therefore, the detection of and testing for these items are specifically outside the scope of a Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspection per the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and industry standards.