Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
- During a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection, we evaluate your home's exterior and identify any signs of termite activity or conditions conducive to termites or other infestations. This service includes both physical and visual inspections.
- Termites
- Owing to their wood-eating habits, many termite species can do great damage to unprotected buildings and other wooden structures. Their habit of remaining concealed often results in their presence being undetected until the timbers are severely damaged and exhibit surface changes. Once termites have entered a building, they do not limit themselves to wood; they also damage paper, cloth, carpets, and other cellulosic materials. Particles taken from soft plastics, plaster, rubber, and sealants such as silicone rubber and acrylics are often employed in gallery construction.
- Avoiding contact of susceptible timber with the ground by using termite-resistant concrete, steel, or masonry foundations with appropriate barriers is an effective method of preventing timber damage. Termites are able to bridge these with shelter tubes, and it has been known for termites to chew through piping made of soft plastics and even some metals, such as lead, to exploit moisture. In general, new buildings should be constructed with embedded physical termite barriers so no easy means remain for termites to gain concealed entry. While barriers of poisoned soil, so-called termite pre-treatment, have been in general use since the 1970s, it is preferable that these be used only for existing buildings without effective physical barriers. The intent of termite barriers (whether physical, poisoned soil, or some of the new poisoned plastics) is to prevent the termites from gaining unseen access to structures. In most instances, termites attempting to enter a barriered building will be forced into the less favourable approach of building shelter tubes up the outside walls; thus, they can be clearly visible both to the building occupants and a range of predators.
- How the Inspections Work
- Our termite inspectors will arrive at your home and begin searching for any evidence of termites. Signs include damp wood, termite tunnels, or damage in your home. We know the best areas to search and have effective extermination methods if we do find them.