Termites & Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO)

In many cases, Wood Destroying insects go undetected until they have caused a significant amount of damage.  However, there are many telltale signs for different species that can cause damage.  Subterranean termites are the most damaging insects of wood.  Their presence is hard to notice, and damage usually is found before the termites are seen.  Generally, the first sign of infestation is the presence of swarming termites on the window or near indoor light.  If they are found inside the house, it almost always means that they have infested.  Other signs that may be found are termite wings on window sills or in cobwebs, and the shelter tubes, which are tunnels constructed by the termites from soil or wood and debris.  Usually, wood damage is not found at first, but when it is found it definitely reveals a termite infestation.  Anywhere wood touches soil is a possible entry into a home for termites.  Examine wood which sounds dull or hollow when struck by a screwdriver or hammer.  Inspect suspected areas with a sharp, pointed tool, such as an ice pick, to find termite galleries or their damage.  Let Neighbors Home Inspections inspect your home for evidence of infestation now before it becomes and expensive problem later.  We are licensed by the Missouri Department of Agriculture to perform WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) Inspections and Certified by InterNACHI.  
Are there steps you can take to prevent a termite infestation?  Yes, there are!  The most important thing to do is deny termites access to food (wood), moisture, and shelter.  You can do this by implementing the following suggestions:
  • have at least a 2-inch clearance between the house and planter boxes, or soil filled porches
  • eliminate all wood to soil contact, such as trellises, fence posts, stair casings and door facings (they can be put on masonry blocks or on treated wood)
  • separate shrubbery from the house to help make it easier to inspect the foundation line
  • use wolmanized wood (pressure treated wood) so that rain will not rot it
  • seal openings through the foundation
  • remove wood scraps and stumps from around the foundation
  • have at least 12 to 18 inches of clearance between floor beams and the soil underneath