Termite WDI Inspection

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Wood is a biological material. If protected from moisture and insect attack, it can last for centuries. When wood is not properly protected, however, it will succumb to biological processes that decompose wood: insects that eat the wood or fungi that cause rot and decay. The most damaging insects that attack structural wood are termites. Their activity results in damage and control costs that exceed $1.5 billion per year nationally. Beetles are the next important group of insects that attack wood, while bees, wasps and ants are third in importance, depending on geographical location. Wood-inhabiting fungi are another group of organisms that occasionally cause problems.

 

Construction Practices

Conditions under which termite colonies thrive are rather rigid. Because of this, certain steps taken during planning and construction of a building greatly reduce or prevent future termite damage. Improper design and construction of buildings, resulting perhaps from a lack of knowledge of or an indifference to the termite problem, can leave structures vulnerable to infestation.

It is important to stress the value of good building practices and chemical treatment of soil during construction. The objective of preventive procedures is to prevent termite access to wood and moisture.

Building Site

The most important rule in avoiding termite problems is to prevent direct contact of soil with untreated wood. Whenever possible, roots, stumps and other wood debris should be removed from the building site before construction work is started. Spreader sticks and grade stakes should be removed before the concrete sets. Form boards and scraps of lumber should also be removed before filling or back-filling around the completed foundation. Wood should not be buried beneath porches and steps. No scraps of lumber should be left on the soil surface beneath or around the building following construction. Removal of all these materials reduces the likelihood of future termite infestation.

To prevent unfavorable moisture buildup in the soil beneath a building, the soil surface should be graded so that surface water will drain away from the building. Proper connection of eaves, gutters and downspouts to a storm-sewer system helps. On flat sites and around buildings with basements, the use of drainage tile around the outside of the building is also helpful.

 

Termite activity in the U.S.